Advices needed for a new nurse

[Tnguyen]

I am a fairly new LPN (started my first job as a nurse about 6 months ago) and just graduated for my RN degree. I am currently working at a long term care facility PRN. Even though it's been 6 months, I still feel like I am lacking experiences in everything and sometimes I doubt my decisions. As a result, I tend to run to a fellow nurse to ask for their opinions.

Recently, I keep getting yelled at/being treated poorly by some fellow nurses. They said that "shwecannot handle things, and that this place is breaking apart when she works" and "She would drive you crazy with all her questions" and they have been either avoiding to interact with me or yelling at me for things that I didn't do (i.e. messing up the med cart, putting things where they aren't supposed to be) so I ended up running around to clean up after others just to please those people. I felt hurt and started to wonder if I did that bad and the worst thing, I can't confront them. I was told not to hesitate to ask questions but this is what I get for asking questions. However, moving forward, I do want to get better and become more confident. So here I am, asking for your advices.

1. Who should I run to when I have questions at work?

2. I am getting a hang of dealing with the residents/patients, but sometimes I find it's hard to get my CNAs to do tasks. Sometimes when I ask them to do something, they would turn around and tell me "Why don't you do it?" So most of the time I have to stop everything I'm doing to get a call light or to assist a resident to bathroom while my CNAs are standing around.

3. Any advices would be great regarding expectations at work, and how to gain confidence in decision makings.

Thank you for your input

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

Many LTC CNAs have been thorns in the nurses' sides for a very long time. Management (you) and your management needs to have a meeting with them to discuss and review expectations and job descriptions.

I dare say that if the response of "why don't you do it" comes so freely from them, it's going to take a major shake-up to change that, including relocating some of them back into the community....or you finding another job.

One lighter approach could be that you hold an at-ease meeting with them, complete with snacks/finger foods...very informal, but mandatory...in which you give them a little background about yourself and inquire and show interest in them. You all discuss ways in which you could help each other. 50/50 chance of success because a lot of LTC CNAs are there in LTC for a reason and sadly, it's one of sheer laziness.

Any CNA reading this post can safely assume that I'm referring to others because the ones who are giving the OP grief and the like have no interest whatsoever of becoming members of a forum that provides helpful insight into how to exceed or succeed in their chosen health care position.

[Tnguyen]

Thanks for your response. I did quit the job, but I figured every where I go, there will be people with the same attitude. This is part of my problem that I need to work on, not just them, which is to think as a nurse, not a CNA. I need to learn how to address the concerns, but not to hurt anybody's feelings.

[TriciaJ, RN]

Thanks for your response. I did quit the job, but I figured every where I go, there will be people with the same attitude. This is part of my problem that I need to work on, not just them, which is to think as a nurse, not a CNA. I need to learn how to address the concerns, but not to hurt anybody's feelings.

Exactly. The patients are the important people. You're not there for the sake of your feelings, and neither is any other employee. If work is not required from the CNAs, then they don't need to be on the payroll. Some work places are very poorly managed and so people are emboldened to blatantly not do their job.

You want to find a position in a place that's properly managed. Everyone knows his/her job description and is held accountable for it. You should receive a proper orientation and ongoing support so your confidence in your skills and judgements gradually increases. You were smart to not stay in a place where you were constantly undermined. Good luck to you.