First lvn job... Not welcoming training nurse

shesanurse · Oct 30, 2015

Hi i graduated 2007 too. And have my first LVN job in a convalescent hospital just recently. I can relate to what you are experiencing right now. But hang in there you'll be just fine. I felt like a burden too for the first 2 months but after that you'll get the hang of it.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Oct 30, 2015

The only thing you can do is to be your own professional self. How the other nurse acts is on her. If the nurse doesn't know "what to do with you" and doesn't want you observing her, then perhaps you could ask to see the medical records of a certain hall, for instance. Just get to know who the residents are, what they take for medications--just a general familiarization.

Another thought is that you could make notes as you go along ie: Name (Mrs. B for instance) and how they take their meds (crushed, whole, etc). Also the routine. (Dining room, bedside) just so when you are on your own, these can be helpful.

Best wishes

as777 · Oct 31, 2015

Unfortunately she sounds very insecure herself..and possibly over worked/stressed etc.....HOWEVER that is no excuse to treat a colleague(new or not). Even after years of nursing and being blessed to work in many healthcare settings, i often find myself learning something new from my new trainees. I have found that encouragement and positive reinforcement makes all the difference. At this point just try and keep your positive attitude, desire and willingness to learn as your focus, it may take a little time but others will notice your professionalism and care for your clients/patients. At the end of your shift you have to go home with yourself:) If you have cared for your patients and done the absolute best you could do allow that confidence and assurance to build up! Sorry, this is my first post and i think i may have rambled :shy: Prayers your way

MedChica · Oct 31, 2015

- Get your own equipment

- Don't say behind anyone's back what you wouldnt say to their face. You dont know anyone. Resist the urge to cry on anyone's shoulder "in confidence". Youre the new girl

Everyone is watching you, ie, how you work, how you mesh with the environment, etc... even if they dont look like it.

Youll never go wrong being 'the quiet teamplayer'. Everyone likes a hard worker.

Ive never endured it but Ive seen it. One place, the nurses on the floor were just harsh. You walk in, they look through you. Youre to train with them, theyre sucking their teeth and such. Youre doing your tasks and theyre talking pooh in the corner.

I get what youre likelt going through. It was impossible to keep nurses or aides. The floor dynamic ran them off. I still pull shift on occasion but not much.

We had a baby nurse start when I did. Her nurse coworker was just abrupt, unhelpful and full of attitude. Trust me, I had to get her all the way together in the nurse's station when she "tried" me. Wouldnt advise you to do as I did. Stand up for yourself but dont burm bridges. You cant just tell her off and not care. Youre too new. You NEED your senior nurses. You try to float on your own and youll drown.

New grad nurse broke down in the medroom with me. I was over there to get something. Her, too.

I listened, confirmed all that she was feeling and told the new nurse to seek greener pastures because that wasnt a new grad friendly environment. Period.

"Why ya think Im PRN? Girl...." For a reason. You cant be sure of the work environment youre walking into. Most facilities suck ass and cant keep people for much the same reason. They dont deserve FT dedication. Let em scramble. Let the FT and PRN staff q a Its what they get So, I do PRN or PT. It pays more, anyway.

She laughed, "So...you get it? Its not just me bein' crazy? Okay." It wasnt just her.

She said that she had a job lined up.

MedChica · Oct 31, 2015

Whoops.

Hit send before i was ready.

You may have to stick it out because you're new and dont have many options but do whats best for yourself always. Dont be more loyal to these facilities than you are to yourself.

Get skills. Get money. Always have a job on standby. Always keep that rese current.

CNAAJ · Nov 1, 2015

I'm sorry you are going through this I can only imagine how uncomfotable it has to be. I often see new nurses at my job paired up with the seasoned nurses and their either are really good or really bad. I understand precepting is an important part of being new to a new enviorment and you should be comfortable with your preceptor. I know id notify the DON and if things didnt change id evaluate the pro's and con's of finding another job. Afterall you deserve the proper and fair training dont let anyone short you of that. Good Luck

katfish67lpn · Nov 2, 2015

This just happened to me as well. I have 26 years experience so I can catch on pretty quickly however, when I did ask a question the nurse "training" me would get defensive and snotty and I couldn't get a straight answer. I was paired with her everyday but 2 of my two week orientation, which was wwaaayyyy too long for me. I went to the DON and mentioned I wasn't learning anything working with this nurse and she brushed me off. So it was funny when the DON came in for 11-7 to work with or more like evaluate the work of the noc nurse. I began giving report and the nurse "training" me walked by with her coat on and as she walked by on her way out the door she gave us a quick wave as she said goodbye. The DON looked over to mena raised her eyebrow. I was glad she could see how well I was "trained". The nurse who was supposably training me was too busy taking smoke breaks to do much of anything else. It can be discouraging but get as much out of orientation as you can and soon you'll be on your own and you'll be able to find your own pace and routine.

KThurmond · Nov 4, 2015

If she acts like that to a new employee that is her responsibility to train then she probably has a history of this attitude. I'd remain professional. :nurse:

LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN · Nov 5, 2015

I would speak with your DON and request a new nurse that's willing to train you. I realize your in a bit of a tough spot as you haven't had a job in some time, beggars cant be choosers that sort of thing, but here is the deal: if she doesn't properly train you then you could make some big mistakes...you deserve a proper orientation. I would propose it to your DON as " Listen, Nurse Suzy seems like she has a lot on her plate right now and I feel I may be making things worse for her. Do you think it would be more productive for both of us if I orientated with another nurse?". That way your not putting it all on this bad attitude crappy co worker even though that's what she is. If they do not switch you then I would start looking for another position, chances are you will not want to work somewhere that employs nurses with such terrible attitudes to new employees.

caliotter3 · Nov 5, 2015

The fact that she would talk to the DON in that manner without being corrected for her attitude speaks volumes. As previously suggested, speak to the DON, but don't be surprised if nothing changes. If the other nurses treat you the same way and the negativity does not start to lessen over time, it might be worth it to consider a different job.

jp1234 · Nov 14, 2015

I gues Im completely baffled why this nurse is still working there. This is part of her job and if the DON/management still has you working with her then I wouldnt want to be there period. Says alot to me about the facility. Seriously.