In over my head?

Nurses Relations

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I'm still in nursing school and have about a year to go. The hospital where I work as an aid has started a new program where nursing students can apply for a special position where we can work as aids but also perform some nursing responsibilities under the supervision of an RN (catheters, IVs, etc. things that we have been checked off on in nursing school). I just took on this role and was quite excited about it. They gave us new nametags so everyone can identify us and ask us for help with work.

Keep in mind, i've already worked here for over a year as just an aid so I already know all the people on my unit. The other day I was standing at the nurses station when a woman walked by who I have always gotten along with. She did a double take when she saw my nametag and then turned to someone and said (with an attitude), "she would never be my nurse. never." and then walked away.

Needless to say, it was both embarrassing and crushing (and stunning, because I thought we were friends.) I don't even like the idea of relaying this story to anyone, but I think it's important. When I think about the kind of reactions i get from a lot of nurses when I mention that I'm getting an ADN, they don't seem impressed. I get the feeling that they don't have a lot of confidence in me. I do not think that I am as smart as most of the RNs that i work with, but I am a hard worker and have hoped that, with time and practice, by the time I graduate I will be capable of doing an RNs job. I'm aware that it is very serious work taking care of people and while I may not be as clever as some people, I am cautious and I care about my patients.

But sometimes other people know things you don't know yourself, and when someone who knows you says they wouldn't want you as their nurse, that's pretty serious. I'm just looking for some input from people who have experience. The idea of becoming a bad nurse, or a nurse that no one respects, makes me nauseous.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

What a hateful remark! Question: was the woman who made the remark a nurse? If not, I'm wondering about some jealousy possibly coming into play as you advance your role in the workplace.

While it is possible to work as a licensed nurse on the same floors that you worked as a CNA, it is sometimes very difficult for the new nurse's co-workers to see the person in their new role. Often, the new nurse ends up transferring to a different unit just to get a fresh start with co-workers who have no history with her. Maybe some of that is coming into play.

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Congratulations on being accepted to the tech program. You will be MILES ahead of other students at graduation time.

That was no "friend". That was a mean spirited individual jealous of your new position. Do NOT let her shake your confidence. Most of us were insecure in school. I also could not see myself as a successful nurse, until my tech program gave me actual "nursing" experience.

You are doing very well, you've got this:up:

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She has nothing to make that judgment on. There are also many types if nursing...I would chalk it up to jealous cattiness. Unfortunately, maybe the RN-CNA power dynamic was the only thing she had over you, and if that goes away, she worries you'll outshine her professionally or personally or both.

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.

lI rather doubt that you would have gotten into nursing school if you were not intelligent enough. And I don't see how you could have made this far if you weren't smart enough!

Don't listen to her; listen to yourself, and speak the truth to yourself. It might help to keep a list of things you're done well. Each day, write down one thing you did well at work. Keep a list of things that patients have thanked you for doing. I know you're busy. The list doesn't have to be in great detail. Maybe you could write it on a calendar.

I graduated from a diploma school, and we had a system in place that was something like what you describe at your work. As students, we had the option of signing up to work at the hospital as an aide on the weekends. We could sign up on Monday to work the following weekend. It was really great, because we didn't HAVE to sign up for any given weekend. If I had a heavy school schedule that week, I simply didn't sign up. Like you, we were allowed to do any procedures that we had already learned in school.

You will gain confidence as you go along.

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I'm also curious as to what her title is. She sounds positively charming, in any case. Her comment was so over the top that I probably would have laughed ...at least on the inside if not in her face.

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That woman was just mean. I don't understand how people can be that way but some are. It says way more about her than it does about you. Don't let her shake your confidence.

The program you're in is an amazing opportunity and you'll be so much better prepared when you do graduate. What matters most is your confidence in yourself. It will come. Though I should tell you that even seasoned nurses are sometimes thrown into situations that shake our confidence. It's normal. If we lose the ability to question ourselves and become cocky, we are more apt to make mistakes and risk causing harm.

Hang in there. It gets better.

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Specializes in ICU.

I doubt it is because of you getting an Associate's degree. I have an ASN, yes it's technically an ASN if your is in science which mine was, and the only people that have looked down on it are 2 young BSN students. I was in a new grad program with about 40 other new grads, 4 of us came from ASN programs. When me and my cohort classmate passed NCLEX in 75, those two gave each other high fives and said we got this. Like we were stupid coming from an ASN program with a 100% pass rate and their college, not so much. They both passed. But not in 75. I don't lo K down on them for that, but really??? Lol.

On my personal unit, I have had several say, oh you graduated from so and so? Their program is hard and those students get hired anywhere. That came from several BSN graduate. Be proud of your degree and license.

And anyone who thinks otherwise, can shove it. I graduated debt free. My BSN counterparts cannot say the same. We all make the same amount on our paychecksz

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

Please know that her rude comment says more about her as a person that it does about you. She may feel threatened and it is much easier to attack you than to deal with her own insecurities.Mature adults that are secure do not have to attack others when others achieve something or gain something that is desirable In fact they share in your success,joy and happiness.Anyone who is as catty as this person just needs to be kicked to the curb.I would not have let that comment slide. Once you let people like this know you will not stand for it they usually back down because they are typically weak cowards.

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

Please don't let this hateful comment get to you or dissuade you from what you're doing. You're in school and learning, and being a part of this program is only going to prepare you even more. It sounds like you work very hard and are excited to learn and get good at being a nurse, which counts for a LOT in this career. Don't let others' lack of enthusiasm and support interfere with your pursuits; just stick to the folks who build you up, teach you, and encourage you.

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Thanks for the replies, they've been encouraging. She's actually an RT. Maybe some people might not have taken her comment personally, but for someone who isn't even a nurse to say (publicly) that she wouldn't want me to be her nurse actually made me feel worse than if she were one. That someone who doesn't even work in the field (even though she's around nurses a lot) could see that I'm not cut out for it.

Anyway, we certainly have not spoken since and I don't intend to ever talk to her again unless I have to for work purposes. Honestly, I let it slide because we were at the nurse's station and I didn't want to call attention to what she said. And I was also too shocked to respond right away.

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That's so blatantly hostile and hateful. Who heard the comment and what were their reactions?

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