Re: LVN's working with CNA's
The people who are are the bottom of the interdisciplinary food chain are typically treated poorly and, unfortunately, this includes CNAs. Since many people associate being a CNA with cleaning poop and other so-called 'dirty work,' this job tends to be one with extremely low prestige. CNAs are enormously important to heathcare, but they tend to not be treated as such. Being an aide involves virtually no prestige, a lack of respect, low pay, and the knowledge that you are replaceable. Some people might be offended by my comments, but I stand by them because I was once an aide.
I am an LVN and have never been rude to my CNAs, but many of my coworkers have self-esteem issues and, therefore, try to berate and belittle the aides to boost their own pitiful egos. A few of my nurse coworkers try to control every single aspect of the CNA's day, without consideration that the aide is a person with feelings. I value my CNAs and always thank them for their help, but countless people don't place a great deal of value on the aide's work.
My former director of staff development stated that CNAs were "undereducated and poor."
Here's one more thought. The nurses at the various facilities will probably treat you better if they knew you had completed an LVN program and were waiting to take NCLEX. CNAs who are nursing students, GNs, and GVNs tend to be treated a little more respectably than the career CNAs, because there's some hidden social and cultural capital involved in ascending the career ladder.
Nursing News