why so mean?

[johnsonprn2]

Hey fellow CNA's and student CNA's. I am currently in my last week of classes for my CNA training. Graduation is Friday. I love it. Figure this will be a great job while I am going to school for my Associate's for RN. York county nursing home, not bad. (This is in PA, if anyone is lost). Love the girls in my class. But please tell me, once you go on the floor for clinical, and lab, why are LPN's and fellow, already graduated CNA's so mean? Do they forget that they have been where we are trying to go? We are only trying to make your day go by smoother and easier, by doing all the dirty work, but meaningful for the residents. So hey cut us some slack. We don't need sarcasm, or being treated like what we are doing does not count or that you are so much better than us. We all fit in a wheel of care. Help us out and remember you was once me. Remember back to your first week on the floor. I love working in the health field, but some of our fellow nurses look down on us and make us feel worthless. How about tommorrow going to work and saying something nice to student nurses, or CNA's. Sometimes it can make a world of difference in the care that they give to the residents. This was said with love. Just was a little fed up today! P.S (and the teachers sometimes can go a little bit overboard with their remarks also, I believe we are all grown up, treat me with the respect I give you as an adult.

[spb1]

Whew - I'm glad I didn't train on her wing. The nurses, CNA and CMAs were very kind to my class. We were all so afraid of doing or saying something wrong that we were paranoid. If I had worked with this person, I might not have had the stamina to finish the class. We did get the nasty jobs, but what better way to get into it than getting the gropers, the non-communicative, the slo.......w eaters, and the incontiinent. We had it all and over a beer and a pizza, laughed with glee at getting through our first day on the floor. Thank you to all the staff at Heritage Oaks West in Corsicana for letting us be incompetent, slow, curious and fearful students. We appreciate you.

Susan

"If it is to be...it's up to me.

[chadash]

I have to stick up for valifay. I don't think she is saying this is right, just a reality. I am new on a unit myself, and have driven many a nurse to distraction. They have withstood it with grace. I have had a few unit clerks and NAs that, I am sure, I am standing on their last nerve, and ,God love em, they get to the point they have to give it to me. :) It is tough learning the ropes, but it is also hard on those who are trying to handle the stress and responsibility of doing what they have to do.

I am in a great situation right now, but I have been in facilities that pride themselves on abusing new people. That is just not right. If that is the "culture" of your workplace, go somewhere else. I worked in one place where I was called an idiot to my face.

But, if someone is just a bit tough on you, you will grow from it. I have gotten a "talking to", and it is not comfortable, but I listen and usually there is a point to the critizism that will make me a better worker. Try not to take it personally. See it as improving your job skills. And try to set an example of courtesy.

[Lisa CCU RN, RN]

I have to stick up for valifay. I don't think she is saying this is right, just a reality. I am new on a unit myself, and have driven many a nurse to distraction. They have withstood it with grace. I have had a few unit clerks and NAs that, I am sure, I am standing on their last nerve, and ,God love em, they get to the point they have to give it to me. :) It is tough learning the ropes, but it is also hard on those who are trying to handle the stress and responsibility of doing what they have to do.

I am in a great situation right now, but I have been in facilities that pride themselves on abusing new people. That is just not right. If that is the "culture" of your workplace, go somewhere else. I worked in one place where I was called an idiot to my face.

But, if someone is just a bit tough on you, you will grow from it. I have gotten a "talking to", and it is not comfortable, but I listen and usually there is a point to the critizism that will make me a better worker. Try not to take it personally. See it as improving your job skills. And try to set an example of courtesy.

I'm a student and I can see where valifay is coming from also.

However, there is obviously a need to train those coming behind you, so there is no need to be rude, however slow a person may be.

Just think, if you train them right, maybe they'll get better or better yet they will know how to take good care of YOU. :monkeydance:

[platinum_garb]

I normally don't throw in my opinion on the slamfests that happen in these threads, but I felt compelled to here. The staff CNA's/Aides/whatever shouldn't be "training" the students in the first place. The students should be taught in the classroom and demo tasks on learning dummies and other classmates before they go into the LTC or hospital environment to learn. The paid Aides at the facilities are there to remind you where the linen closet is or to point you to the right wing or to assist with a transfer...not to "teach".

I've run into so many bitter Aides...but I think that a lot of the time they feel spread thin with students around because they get asked little questions here and there. Unfortunately, those are often the same people who ***** about their boyfriends/car payments/resident in the bathroom down the hall in front of other residents while doing their ADL's and what not. Very professional!! *sarcasm*

Don't let these people bring you down...just remember that (usually) it's not what other people are or are not doing...it's what YOU are doing that matters most!!

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

The staff CNA's/Aides/whatever shouldn't be "training" the students in the first place. The students should be taught in the classroom and demo tasks on learning dummies and other classmates before they go into the LTC or hospital environment to learn. The paid Aides at the facilities are there to remind you where the linen closet is or to point you to the right wing or to assist with a transfer...not to "teach".

I agree that the CNA's working the floor shouldn't be "instructing" students or new aides. That responsibility should rest with the instructor of the class or their designee.

Having said that though... there is a huge difference between performing the skills on a classmate or manequin and performing the skills on a resident. The true personal interactions don't exist in these senarios. Each resident is unique. A CNA who is familiar with a resident will be aware of little things that aren't taught in class, the daily routine, along with the capabilities and preferences of each resident. Little things that make the resident comfortable and encourage trust in those taking care of them. Knowing that Mrs. X always wears a sweater over her outfit. Knowing that Mrs. Q always wears red lipstick to dinner. That Mr. Z likes his tv turned to a sporting event after he is settled down in his recliner after a meal. The things that take only moment to complete. Yet they can mean so much to that resident. A staff who works daily with the residents can pass on this knowledge on. Kind of another opportunity to "pay it forward".

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Why are LPN's and fellow, already graduated CNA's so mean?

I'm an LVN who always treats students and CNAs with kindness and respect.

However, a handful of the experienced CNAs and LVNs treated me rudely when I was an LVN student last year. I know the feeling when someone is mean to you for no apparent reason. However, I do not know why they're being mean. I just know that their time will come (and payback is a b***h).

[JeepDudeRN]

Hello-

Well heres another perspective. First let me say that I am a CNA, and a full time RN student, so I know how I want to be treated, and I know to treat others. I work in a sub acute wing in a large rehab facilty. We are a facilty that also trains student CNA's, and Nurses. I am normally picked to be a trainer 95% of the time. I consider it an honor that my Supervisors trust me enough to show the trainees the ropes. I would NEVER belittle anyone who was learning. Yes, we are sometimes shorthanded, just like everywhere else,and it does get frustrating, but ya know what? When I had to turn n my letters of reccomendation for the RN program, my supervisors made it a point to let the school know that I am a trainer, and very happy to do it, and pretty darn good at it too. In my interview for the program, the Nursing director told me that little side note went a long way with them. So there ya go. Just my 2 cents :)~

[qaqueen]

Johnsonprn2,

No matter where you go, some people will be PITA. Also, as a new CNA, you will be scrutinized by many, helped by few. It is okay, do the best you can, take care of your patients and know that your reward is that you made somebody's life a little better.

Valifay,

I get that you are frustrated. People who hate training are usually not good at it anyway. If the folks you train are slow, remember you were once too. If they are getting in your way, maybe you aren't giving them appropriate guidance. If you don't like the way things are getting done, stop and think, every task needs to be completed, but there is often more than one way to handle it. Not everything has to be done YOUR WAY. Perhaps if you wait a few days and then re-read what you have written here, you can gain new insight that will make your life easier.

Most of us get into healthcare, not for the money, but because we want to care for others in a useful way. Being a CNA is not about the glory, it is about looking at yourself in the mirror and knowing you have done well.

Blessed Be

[JeepDudeRN]

VERY well said, qaqueen.

[chadash]

Like the post about the nurse who always says:"Glad to see you!" Most of the nurses on my new job say that when I come in, and they can not know how much that helps.(Hope they mean it!) What the oldies need to remember is how insecure new employees and students feel. Reassurance and patience can do wonders.

As I mentioned, I was in a couple abusive work places in the past, and I would suggest: if this place you are at now is truly like that, dont seek permanent employment there. I still duck and cover needlessly when approached by fellow employees: sort of a shell shock kind of reaction. An abusive work place situation does leave a mark.

[gr8rnpjt, RN]

Sorry the truth hurts sometimes...but its the truth. No, I do not treat students badly and I'm not in school to be a nurse, but I am a student and a CNA.

I am a bit confused. Your profile says;

Age:

26

Location:

Springfield, IL

Nursing Education:

Nursing Student

Occupation:

CNA

Country:

USA

What's up with that?

[TAB_RN]

Honestly, because students get inthe way. We are already short staffed and have too much too do in a short amount of time. Now, don't take this the wrong way, we are glad you take twice as long to do showers and 5 times longer to get vitals, you get stuff done, but your still in the way. Its very annoying! I'm sure this sounds rude and all, but its true. Once you get working in the field and have to train a student, you will understand. We don't ask to train you, you are given to us to deal with. But, don't get discouraged, once you are an actual employee and prove yourself a hard worker, you won't be looked down upon. Congrats on your graduation and good luck to you!

You may not ask to train students, but you CHOSE to work in a teaching hospital