Advice for Student Nurse

[mmhduer68]

Any advice on how to handle this situation? I am a medical assistant, been doing this for 12 years now. I decided to go back to school. I am currently in a LPN program due to time and my full time job. After obtaining my LPN I will go back to get RN. I will complete my education for LPN in June 2011.

Here is my situation: I have been at my full time job for 3.5 yrs. I have outlasted any other medical assistant and medical receptionist. Recently I had to train the receptionist some office duties that I was doing, after the office manager ask me to train. I am not being included in office meetings or projects anymore. I have approached the office manager and tried to talk to her. She told me to stop being immature. I told her that I have not made plans, I am trying to survive quarter to quarter and have to pass the NCLEX. Others have notice this change of environment, which I do not like being in anymore. I am always finding out critical information at the last minute. But yet when the receptionist is out sick (which occurs often) I am the one to cover her job plus mine.

I would appreciate any advice because I will not give up what I want accomplish. Thank you for reading.

[vhern246]

Thats a tough situation. While its important to do well in school and satisfy the requirements of your job, you have to remember about YOU. You have a lot of stress and lots of demands, you need to make sure you don't have a lot of drama.

3.5 years is a respectable time to be at a position, but you don't have to stay there. If you can afford it, think about getting another job or even maybe taking out a loan to cover your expenses until you finish the LPN program. I know its MORE debt, but it could be worth it to invest in your education for a higher earning job.

Remember, you don't HAVE to do anything and you don't OWE anyone. Do whats best for you and don't look back. Your not stuck, you have options!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

another option is just do your job and forget about office politics. Consider that job as a stepping stone to something better. Many times we are frustrated when others do not meet our expectations, but we forget we have the privilege of changing our expectations.

[sourapril]

I know exactly what you are talking about. When I was working for a non-profit (non-nursing related), there was a girl who is disabled. She is kinda naive and have a quirky personality. Originally her job was supposed to help her boss organize meetings, plan project, etc. At first everyone was treating her normally, but after a few month, her boss started to ask her to make copies, type out letters, and she started doing more copying and less planning. Soon, everyone in the office started asking her to do the same thing, as did the receptionist. Eventually whenever the receptionist needs someone to cover, that poor girl would be the first to ask and she couldn't say no because she was always so nice to everyone. But everyone just keep asking her to make copies, man the front desk. So, she quit after a while. I think that's better for her. Now she is pursuing a career in creative writing and much happier. I need to mention that she did try to talk to her supervisor about changing her job but everyone just viewed her as a burden. She is smart and sweet but most people can't see that. I think if your working environment is hostile and nobody takes you seriously or thinks that you are part of the team, then you should find a place that will appreciate your work. Good luck!