CNA getting negativity from other CNAS because of acceptance in nursing school!!

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I am getting a lot of negative feed back from my fellow CNA co-workers. They congratulated me on getting accepted into the program but they are making comments like you think you better than us now. And certain ones are saying dont forget where you came from and I dont want to be a nurse! I hate to get into a argument with them but its getting on my nerves, I worked hard to get accepted into the program. I REALLY need some feedback as to how to handle the situation! I DIDNT EXPECT ALL OF THIS NEGATIVITY!!

Specializes in retired LTC.

Only you really know the answer to this, but might you just be feeling a little bit overly sensitive about their comments and misinterpreting their attitude??? I've seen it before numerous times when a CNA goes to school, when an LPN goes on to become an RN, an RN for a BSN, an RN gets promoted to mgt/supervisor, etc. etc Any upward movement or betterment.

Comments are meant in jest (altho you may not care for them) but are not meant to be hurtful. Maybe a little bit envious (like I wish I could too). I guess I'm asking do you think they're really being mean or just thoughtless and in poor taste?

I know there are probably a snarky few who are not worth your concern. And congratulations about school and good luck!

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I got the same reactions from work. The only thing you can really do is keep your mouth shut :/ Thats what I have to do. The only time I talk about school is if I get asked about it. The LPN's and RN's are all very happy that I'm in nursing school, and always encourage me. But the PCA's always have in their minds that I think I'm better them, and that I'm just going to treat other PCA's ****** once I graduate. I know how hard of a job it is, so I'm only going to give them respect.

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I feel where you're coming from. I've have snide remarks made to me about getting into nursing school. Some CNAs congratulated me but I could sense the animosity. I don't get it, it's like we are trying to better ourselves but yet people try to bring you down. I'm not trying to be better than anyone, I just want a career and better life for myself. Nursing has always been my goal and being a CNA is a stepping stone for me. I've just learned to not discuss my nursing school @ work so people don't think I'm boasting or anything. I'm just happy to be starting nursing school this fall and thought it was something positive I could share with everyone, I guess not.

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Most of the cna's where I work are also talking of school somewhere down the road. I am the only one applyiong for this next year that I know of so far. There are 2-3 who have no intentions now to do anything else. Their decision is theirs based on their circumstances. Circumstances ALWAYS change! So, remind yourself and others that this is just another "phase" that we are all going thru and that later on we most likely will all be facing other challenges and circumstances.

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Specializes in (Nursing Support) Psych and rehab.

That's a nice sentiment, unfortunately some people's circumstances may never change. Could be because that's what they choose or what they have to struggle with. Reminding them of their circumstances could be what causes some to be resentful and interpret you're happiness as boasting. That's why I feel its best to talk as little as possible or not at all about it with those who you work with. But hey that's just my opinion

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I personally feel happy for coworkers who are going to school, and I often try to help some out by picking up shifts when they need it, since I like to see CNAs advance and succeed. The nursing students who annoy me tend to be the ones who have never been CNAs.

Still, im going to school myself for something other than RN, so maybe thats why it doesnt bother me, I dont have any reason to feel jealous or resentful. Some CNAs might like to go to Nursing school, but dont have the opportunity because of their financial situation, age, or family situation. I can see how some of them might be annoyed at a younger, newer aide going to school, especially if its an aide they see as substandard.

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It's hard for me to even imagine this situation because my coworkers yell at me every time I say that I'm ready to drop out of school. "Stay in school!" is what I hear any time I mention school. Sorry to hear that you are in complete opposite situation as I am. Recently, one of the aides that I used to work with became LPN and actually started working as a nurse at the same facility as she was an aide and she said to me that it's fine so far. Everyone tries to help her out as much as they can.

Don't let it get to you. People like that will either never become nurses or they will end up being a "bad" nurse. Just think about it. Why are these people still CNAs and not nurses? You've worked hard and you got into a nursing school. Once you're done you can forget all about them and you will move on. They will be stuck with a job that they hate. Don't let it get to you because this is just temporary. Good luck!

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Specializes in PACU, LTC, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Psych.

Misery loves company. I am preparing the stuff I need to get into COTA school, so I am going through some of the same stuff. Many CNAs are trapped. They may be from broken homes and are single moms and the one month/one semester cert of CNA may have been the only realistic option at the time to avoid working the fryers at Mickey Ds or working at Walmart. They are going to be jealous because of the perception that you will have less work and triple thier meager paycheck.

Of course, as mentioned above, that does not prevent them from doing the same thing if they push hard enough.

The only warning I would give is to be careful who you let know what you are doing. Just being in school does not mean anything. The only thing that means anything is when you pass the state board and the school. I have heard unsubstantiated stories of some of the crappier employers cutting hours because "you are not 100 percent available" or you are tired from being in a classroom/clinicals all day and not being able to "give your all".

If it is any consequence, very few folks will end up working as a RN/LPN/PT/PTA/OT/COTA/etc where they were a CNA at.

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Congratulations! Everyone here on this thread is happy for you but I hate to break it to you that not every other person is planning to bake you a cake for every good thing that happens to you.

Some of my coworkers always say they never want to be a nurse because of blablabla etc.,etc. But I know for a fact some of them can't afford to go back to school-- if they stop working, who will pay their bills?

It's a huge accomplishment and it seems like your coworkers are envious or wish they could have the same opportunities. Ignore them--but also don't talk about it to them anymore. They don't care and they may just be looking for an excuse to talk smack about you. And remember to celebrate with friends and family. :heartbeat

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