Young nurse problems?

Nurses LPN/LVN

Published

I've been working at my current job for over a year. Also my first nursing job after graduating from nursing school. When I was first hired as an LPN I just turned 19. I'm currently 20. My problem is when the RN's at my job treat me like a child and i'm sure it's due to my age. For example it's at the end of the month aka recap time, i'll walk into work that day and almost all the RN's there will say "when you have time do the recaps" while others will say "____ said do recaps." My thing is once I was trained on doing recaps I've done the recaps without being told because that is a part of my JOB. And when there was a death on my unit I had to call the don and complete the procedures. I followed the directions to the T. But my DON calls back 30 minutes later and asks have you done this and this and this? I feel incompetent sometimes even though I know what I am doing and I believe I've been doing my job well.

"ChristineN I have been an RN since I was 20, and for years would often be the youngest RN on my unit. However, I never had a problem with a lack of respect from coworkers because I always act and carry myself at work in a way that encourages respect. I have a strong work ethic, have always been eager to help others, and eager to keep learning. Even soon after coming off of orientation my coworkers treated me like a colleague and not a child"

With all my respect I do disagree with your statement. Sometimes people are just mean and bitter and no matter how hard we try to "carry ourselves" they are ignorant individuals out there that try to make us feel like we cannot do anything right.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I'm scare of this too. I'm 23 but I graduated when I was 21 and one of the things I always heard from my teachers and older cnas in school with me was how I wasn't going to be taken seriously or respected. I'm not working yet but I'm older although I look young. I hope I don't let it get to me as much plus these people are right they're just looking out for themselves making sure the jobs done. Grow a thicker skin and if you still feel inferior maybe it's you and not them. Go with a positive attitude you know you're doing your job right and you always answer them with "yes it's done" so just take it with a grain of salt. Soon you'll be old like them. Lol no but seriously older people have more experience than us whether we like it or not. Not always fair but we'll be there one day.

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

20 isn't young for an LPN, it's not very young for an RN. We often have new RNs who are 19 and 20, and a few times we have had 18 year old RNs.

Maybe ask if there is something about your behavior or preformance that makes them questions you.

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I feel ya! I'm only 19 ad working in pediatric home health, I understand what you feel but I rarely experience it us elf because I'm in home health and there is usually a period of time eternity my shift and the next shift. I simply do not give out my age unless asked. I must be good at hiding when I'm nervous because when I had to send one little guy to the hospital I was told by the admin. Of the agency how calm and put together I sounded on the phone, I swear I was shaking and reviewing the assessment and notes from the week like crazy. I do feel like the aids and some nurses are staring holes into my back at meetings (the only time I see most of them) but it's not my fault that I made it here at my age! Just don't let it bother you, respond professionally and with your head held high, you earned to be where you are no matter how old you are! And use that to strengthen yourself!

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i'm more than twice your age and i still get the, "be sure and do xyc"

whenever I get a new supervisor or DON

i chalk it up to years of working with people who have to be told everything

(and you'd be surprised at how many of them there are) or maybe it makes

them feel important

at any rate, just say,"you got it", or "no problem"

done deal and everyone is happy

keep doing what you're doing and eventually they'll recognice

your work ethics

No problem is probably the most repeated thing I say when asked to do something with a smile. It works.

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"ChristineN I have been an RN since I was 20, and for years would often be the youngest RN on my unit. However, I never had a problem with a lack of respect from coworkers because I always act and carry myself at work in a way that encourages respect. I have a strong work ethic, have always been eager to help others, and eager to keep learning. Even soon after coming off of orientation my coworkers treated me like a colleague and not a child"

With all my respect I do disagree with your statement. Sometimes people are just mean and bitter and no matter how hard we try to "carry ourselves" they are ignorant individuals out there that try to make us feel like we cannot do anything right.

I also think this is true with one of my coworkers it just depends on the person. I agree with you in the sense.

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I'm scare of this too. I'm 23 but I graduated when I was 21 and one of the things I always heard from my teachers and older cnas in school with me was how I wasn't going to be taken seriously or respected. I'm not working yet but I'm older although I look young. I hope I don't let it get to me as much plus these people are right they're just looking out for themselves making sure the jobs done. Grow a thicker skin and if you still feel inferior maybe it's you and not them. Go with a positive attitude you know you're doing your job right and you always answer them with "yes it's done" so just take it with a grain of salt. Soon you'll be old like them. Lol no but seriously older people have more experience than us whether we like it or not. Not always fair but we'll be there one day.

I take it with a grain of salt and I have thick skin I've never let it get to me after a year and a half almost it's more annoying than anything.

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I feel ya! I'm only 19 ad working in pediatric home health, I understand what you feel but I rarely experience it us elf because I'm in home health and there is usually a period of time eternity my shift and the next shift. I simply do not give out my age unless asked. I must be good at hiding when I'm nervous because when I had to send one little guy to the hospital I was told by the admin. Of the agency how calm and put together I sounded on the phone, I swear I was shaking and reviewing the assessment and notes from the week like crazy. I do feel like the aids and some nurses are staring holes into my back at meetings (the only time I see most of them) but it's not my fault that I made it here at my age! Just don't let it bother you, respond professionally and with your head held high, you earned to be where you are no matter how old you are! And use that to strengthen yourself!

My age was given out not by me lol or I would have hiden it as long as possible. But your entire statement I can relate to very much. Thank you!

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20 isn't young for an LPN, it's not very young for an RN. We often have new RNs who are 19 and 20, and a few times we have had 18 year old RNs.

Maybe ask if there is something about your behavior or preformance that makes them questions you.

I mean young as in under 21.

It's not my behavior or performance I've had no write up, errors or anything dealing with my work ethic. I've had many compliments on my attitude as well. But thanks anyway.

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Practice make perfect.Just do what you need to do and you will achieve their level as well.

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Practice make perfect.Just do what you need to do and you will achieve their level as well.

Thank you for the advice. Will do !

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