Need a seasoned nurse's advice

[marvelmom]

I'm now a new grad and recently obtained my license. I am working on the floor as a CNA until my shifts are done this month then I move into the LPN position.

My coworkers (other aides) used to be kind to me and enjoy working with me but ever since they found out that next month I will be their nurse they have taken a 180 on me. They bark orders at me while they twiddle their thumbs, they make sure to tell our nurse every little thing they think I'm doing wrong, they spend time in rooms talking bad about me, and one even went as far as to scold me in a patients room. I've been turning the other cheek but I am miserable now. I used to love working there.

How do you deal with these types of people? I know nursing is cut throat at times but in my 14 years of being a CNA I have never had this issue. It seems as if it all started when they were told I was going to be their nurse starting next month.

I don't want to make enemies. I don't want to treat them like they are me. I don't want to be that person but I also don't want to come home hating my job.

I honestly don't know how to go about handling this situation. I'm hoping someone can give me advice, tough love, or constructive criticism. I know I'm not the only person to experience this.

[trishmsn]

Thanks for all your replies. I don't understand how the most caring career has so many "mean girls" within. I'll probably never understand it either.

This particular issue isn't even a mean "girls" problem, it is a human problem. The military has policies that prevent soldiers (or airmen, etc.) from serving as officers in the same unit in which they functioned as NCO's (corporals, sergeants, etc.) for the same reasons.....once you have made fun of the "establishment" over a few beers or lattes, or bad-mouthed the new smart-aleck graduate nurse, you cannot really look at an old peer as a new boss!

Of course, there is also jealousy in many cases; especially from people who would love the pay and perks but cannot tear themselves away from "DWTS" or ladies night at the club to actually STUDY and earn the promotion, title, or license!

[anon456, BSN, RN]

I'm so sorry you are going through this!! We have had several promotions on my unit and as far as I know never had this problem. In fact the former CNAs are often the best RNs. It sounds like you need to keep looking for other positions. Maybe there are other internal positions open to you.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

This is why people who upgrade their licenses should never, never stay in the same facility. For good or for ill, either you will always be seen as your old job description (i.e., if you upgraded to LPN or RN, people still talk to you as if you're a CNA) or people resent you because your presence reminds them that they, themselves, can't or won't better their own position in life. This sounds like door numbah 2 to me.

Get a job elsewhere and bid them a fond farewell. Tell them you learned a lot there and you will never forget them ....but leave.

[Jillybean48]

Wow. This is just sad. I'm so sorry you are going through all this. I don't personally know what this is like because I was not a CNA before I became a nurse. I don't understand it because in all my years as a nurse I have had many CNA's and med techs under me who were going to nursing school and became nurses and they never told me any of this was happening to them. I agree with all the other posts, you should probably start you new career at a different facility. If you think these girls are messing with you now, I can only guess what will happen once you become their nurse. And your license will be at stake. Good luck.

[abbnurse]

TakeTwoAspirin;7941567]While there will be people who are secure enough in themselves to be happy for your success, there will always be people who cannot be happy for you and will resent your attempts to improve yourself and your circumstances.

I think this sums it up, perfectly. So sorry you have to go through this. But hold your head up and be proud of yourself ! You worked hard to earn your nursing license Good luck in your new career (((hugs))).

[Hafisch12]

I had a similar situation when I first became a nurse. But those women who are mean and try to get you in trouble are just jealous. Ignore their comments, do what you know and take care of your patients. You are at work to make friends, you are there to do a job and make a difference in your patients life. Your co-workers probably think you are going to act differently towards them once you start working as an LPN. They honestly just sound jealous and need to grow up. Being the bigger person is difficult at times but don't stoop their level. If you stoop they will only give them something else to start running their mouths about

[Mortpm1]

Look at it from their point of view. There are probably things they shared with you that they would never want "their boss" to know. There are things you may have shared with them, that may make it difficult for them to view you as an authority figure. Maybe some of them trained you. Maybe they have had a negative experience with a former "friend's" promotion, whereby that person changed once they got a promotion. My former "friend" fired me 6 months after she was promoted, mainly because she was upset at how much money I made. (more than her in her previous position). So, sorry, if any of my coworkers get promoted in the future, I will assume that I will be thrown under the bus the first chance they get. That's how management is, so get used to it. I totally agree that you should move to a different group when you start being in charge. Being a ne we manager is hard enough

[staycalm]

I was a tech then a nurse- and stayed in the same unit. I'm still there 14 years later! Just kill them with kindness. There's people like that no matter where you go. If it isn't a unit you love, then change. I loved my unit, so tolerated it the best I could. I made myself busy, and found reasons to not be near the negativity. Rudeness is such a drag & can bring you down quick. It seems the people that were the nastiest, never have changed. I don't get it either. Some nurses are mean to assistants, and perhaps they think you will act that way. I really think this is why former nurse assistants can generally make awesome nurses. You will always remember how awful you were treated, and you go out of your way to be kind & grateful.