Bridging to RN... with little support of co-workers!

[tiredgirl]

Started the bridge this past September.Trying to maintain grades, keep up with studies, work and still see my family.

I work as a practical nurse on a very busy acute floor, and at first my co-workers were very supportive of my returning to school. However, due to mid term exams and the trillions of papers due all at once - I have had to

give up a few shifts at work to do so. Now, prior to starting school, my unit manager told me to do this and not let work affect my schoolwork (she is great!). Yet, a friend of mine on the unit, called me and informed me that some of the chatty nurses on my floor were gossiping about me taking this time off work!

I know this should not bother me, but it does...

I mean I know some co-workers who have called in sick to go to parties and others who just take time off because they don't feel like going to work and they know they'll still get paid!!

Since I am part time now, I lose pay when I can't come to work, I have never called in before at all!!!

I just hate being penalized for trying to balance my priorities!

If anyone, has had to deal with gossip on there floor, or just has any advise - I'm all ears!

Thanks,

Tiredgirl

[caliotter3]

It is your coworkers right to gossip if they want to, just as they can choose to ignore you and concentrate on their jobs. They are showing their jealousy. They do not owe you respect or support. You can not control their behavior, only your own. Leave them to their own devices and concentrate on your school efforts. Don't waste your time on them. Eventually they will find another source of gossip.

[llg, PhD, RN]

caliotter3 said it VERY well. You just take care of your life. Let the unsupportive people think whatever they want. They are not your true friends: they are just acquaintences from work.

However ... be sure to fulfill your responsibilities at work. Do a good there and don't slack off on the quality of your work. Don't give them amunition to use against you shouldl they turn really nasty. Be sure to maintain a good relationship with your manager and be the kind of employee that she wants you to be. You need her support now, so maintain your positive relationship with her.

Eventually, the nasty people will move on to something else -- or someone else - to gossip about.

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Remember that it's NOBODYS BUSINESS that you've given up some shifts! You do what you have to do to take care of yourself. Just like they're doing what they're doing to take care of themselves. I bet if you were a busy body going up all in their business they wouldn't like it much. Just keep studying, do what you have to do, and don't lose focus. I know it bothers you but you need to put those fools out of your mind. You're doing a good thing for yourself. Stick with it! Good Luck!

[Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN]

Wow! I'm sorry you are going through this. I feel so very blessed @ my job. I'm also bridging and my DON told me that my priorites were 1) husband, 2) school, 3) work. The owner of our company told me that she's very proud of me and I'm able to keep my full time benefits and work 2 days/week as long as I work full time over breaks and promise to return to them full time when I graduate. Believe me, I give 110% on my 2 days! Just let what the jealous people say go. They aren't worth it! Good luck in your studies.