ANGRY...venting

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

I don't want to use too many identifying details but here goes.

I've worked in LTC almost 10 years, for the same employer. I started off as a support aide, was trained by them to be a CNA. Then they gave me $1000 towards my LPN. Then they paid for me to get my RN. I worked full time as a charge nurse LPN while going to RN school full time. I can't even describe how difficult it was. That hardest thing by far I've ever done.

The full time RN for my shift left. She's been unofficially teaching me how to do her job because she knew she'd have to leave soon and it was assumed I'd get her position when I was done.

Well I didn't get it. They gave it temporarily to another LPN who hasn't been to RN school, has been there much less time than I have been, isn't the best nurse, and who wasn't even interested in the position. No one said a word to me about it. Then I hear a rumor they were taking someone from another facility and giving them the position. I talked to the DON (who's been dodging my phone calls) and that person from the other facility is getting the job. He said they felt I wasn't experienced enough to have it (even though they've had LPNs in their 3rd semester of RN school be supervisor and they've had this LPN currently doing the job, with RNs on call) and so they gave it to this other nurse. They feel that there isn't enough help for a new RN on afternoons or nights even thought they've had new RNs (or LPNs) before. Out of all the facilities there are 3 part time positions open, only one on days. I can't leave my full time job for a part time (going from 40 hours a week to 5 days a month!).

I haven't been written up for anything in years, haven't made a med error in years, work very hard, and obviously they liked me enough to give me my scholarship! I don't understand this!!!! Now I owe them time or money for the tuition they gave me. I didn't work so hard to do the same job I'm doing now. I'm so angry I want to quit. My dad (and coworkers actually, including the LPN who is temporary doing the RN job who doesn't even want it) said I should march in, demand to be let go from my contract and then leave.

I'm soooo mad!!!!!!! :crying2: And sad. I feel like I've been slapped in the face.

IDK if I'm asking for help or just venting. I'm so upset.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Okay let me get this correctly......are you an RN yet or still in school? It sounds like you are still in school for your RN. So if the position is for an RN you are not an RN yet so I am confused. Is the position for either an LPN or an RN? This nurse they are bringing in is an LPN? How long have you been an LPN for? As long as or longer then her? If she has been an LPN for longer then you have maybe they are looking at that as they are then just comparing the two of you as far as LPN experience. The RN part since you are not one yet it sounds like can't be taken into consideration I guess. So I guess I need more info before maybe I can have a better handle as to if you have a ligit beef worth fighting for.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I don't want to use too many identifying details but here goes.

I've worked in LTC almost 10 years, for the same employer. I started off as a support aide, was trained by them to be a CNA. Then they gave me $1000 towards my LPN. Then they paid for me to get my RN. I worked full time as a charge nurse LPN while going to RN school full time. I can't even describe how difficult it was. That hardest thing by far I've ever done.

The full time RN for my shift left. She's been unofficially teaching me how to do her job because she knew she'd have to leave soon and it was assumed I'd get her position when I was done.

Well I didn't get it. They gave it temporarily to another LPN who hasn't been to RN school, has been there much less time than I have been, isn't the best nurse, and who wasn't even interested in the position. No one said a word to me about it. Then I hear a rumor they were taking someone from another facility and giving them the position. I talked to the DON (who's been dodging my phone calls) and that person from the other facility is getting the job. He said they felt I wasn't experienced enough to have it (even though they've had LPNs in their 3rd semester of RN school be supervisor and they've had this LPN currently doing the job, with RNs on call) and so they gave it to this other nurse. They feel that there isn't enough help for a new RN on afternoons or nights even thought they've had new RNs (or LPNs) before. Out of all the facilities there are 3 part time positions open, only one on days. I can't leave my full time job for a part time (going from 40 hours a week to 5 days a month!).

I haven't been written up for anything in years, haven't made a med error in years, work very hard, and obviously they liked me enough to give me my scholarship! I don't understand this!!!! Now I owe them time or money for the tuition they gave me. I didn't work so hard to do the same job I'm doing now. I'm so angry I want to quit. My dad (and coworkers actually, including the LPN who is temporary doing the RN job who doesn't even want it) said I should march in, demand to be let go from my contract and then leave.

I'm soooo mad!!!!!!! :crying2: And sad. I feel like I've been slapped in the face.

IDK if I'm asking for help or just venting. I'm so upset.

I would be angry and disappointed, too. The nurse they are giving the position to has a personal hold on the job for whatever reason...we don't know. Keep your head up...be the better person...don't say a word and find somewhere else to work. Then, and only then, give them 2 weeks notice. When you have an exit interview, tell them about your disappointment. but don't leave any burning bridges behind you! Take a chill pilll!!! Just my :twocents:!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health/Hospice.

That's the life of a LTC nurse. I'm sorry that you have to go through this.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
That's the life of a LTC nurse. I'm sorry that you have to go through this.

Is this common in LTC?? Please...enlighten me.:confused:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

I graduated in Dec. I'm not licensed yet, but I do have a date set. They have hired LPNs for this before. I've been an LPN 7 years. The LPN they have temping has only been one a couple years. Sorry if that was unclear.

I can't leave unless I come up with several thousands of dollars they gave me for school.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I graduated in Dec. I'm not licensed yet, but I do have a date set. They have hired LPNs for this before. I've been an LPN 7 years. The LPN they have temping has only been one a couple years. Sorry if that was unclear.

I can't leave unless I come up with several thousands of dollars they gave me for school.

None of that was clear on your post. I guess you stay...suck it up...or lose a lot of money. Just cool down....there's probably something better for you out there. Be patient...:nurse:!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh yikes then yeah you do have a lot more experience and are about to get your RN hopefully. I would say you have a legitimate beef! To be honest I would be up front and honest with them. Let them know that you are feeling as though their explaination of --"the other LPN has more experience" is just not true and sell the fact that you are about to get your RN and they need so many RNs legally as far as in the building so many hours as well as to do/sign off the LPNs for assessments. There were never enough RNs where I worked. I was one of 3 in a 120 bed facility and that included the DON. The other RN was nice enough but useless most of the time between her brittle DM and general lack of skills. So we needed RNs bad. So I would try to sell that too. Not too many RNs flocking to LTC--at least around here. Also are you part of a union? You could talk to them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology/Hematology, Infusion, clinical.

I could give you a textbook sized list of BS justifications for why your facility is right or wrong, but who would I be kidding anyway? I'd be lying if I told you I wouldn't be just as angry in the same situation.

Finish your degree, get outta there, and give someplace else the benefit of your knowledge and skill. Best wishes to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in being a Credible Source.
(They) said I should march in, demand to be let go from my contract and then leave.

First, I hear you. I'd also be ticked off.

However...

Rarely does "marching in" and "demanding" lead to anything positive. I would go talk to them to understand what and why and to express your disappointment, but only if you can do it in a calm, professional manner -- no marching and no demanding. You could also explore the likelihood of possibly job sharing or finding other administrative responsibilities that you would like.

In terms of trying to quit... you must first recognize that there remains much competition among the new-grad RNs for positions, even those who have bridged up. Unless your finances can absorb a long stint of unemployment (without Unemployment Insurance since it's not given to those who quit or are terminated for cause), I'd line up another job before making such requests.

Realize also that if you do manage to secure a release from your contract and you quit, (1) you may be poisoning the reference well and (2) it's not going to look so hot to prospective employer.

Despite your legitimate feelings of betrayal, your best course of action may be to suck it up and satisfy the terms of your contract while (a) trying to find another position, (b) saving your money to buy out your contract if needed, and © building your skills and knowledge.

Whatever you choose, though, please don't do the "march in and demand" thing... that just never goes well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in being a Credible Source.

Stop the presses...

I just read it again and you say that they've got somebody "temping" in there so the position is still up for grabs (though perhaps hers to lose).

If you really want that position then you need to prepare a strong, well documented argument as to why you are the ideal candidate (not why she's the wrong one). Put together a detailed portfolio, request an appointment with as many people up the food chain as you can convince to sit together and hear you out (no march/demand), and make your case.

Since they've got somebody "temping", the job can still be yours if you want it and can make a strong case for it.

Before you go after it, though, be 100% certain that it's what you really want... a lot of folks (myself included) have taken jobs that we thought we wanted only be to be very (very, very) sorry for the change that they've/we've wrought.

Best wishes to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.

All pure garbage. You already know the job. Even though you just got or will get your RN, in long term care, you are Not new. I am noticing a trend in LTC, to hire LPN's as unit managers. And the strange thing is, the newer the better. A friend of mine was passed over for a unit manager position (she is a 15 year RN, the other candidate a 20 year LPN) for a 1 year LPN. No clinical experience, whatsoever. Also, the two candidates passed over have been with the company over five years. I am thinking Benjamin is at it again...there is no other explanation. Tell them you want a supervisory position. If they don't provide you with one, leave. It will be hard for them to ask for their money back, while at the same time, holding you back. Are you over forty by any chance?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment