From CNA to LPN

[chellelynn25]

]I have been work at a LTC facility for the past 2 years as a CNA. I recently graduated from school passed my boards and was licensed by the state of Pennslyvania. The DON at my current facility as offered me a position as a LPN on the 3-11 shift. This is the same shift that I have worked for the past 2 years as a CNA. When I first started school I thought that I would want to stay at my current job when I got done. But the closer to graduation and now after graduation I am beginning to wonder if that is actually the right thing to do. I have applied at the 2 local hospitals as well but have had no feedback, and have been told that it is difficult to get on at either of them if you don't have any prior experience. I don't know if that is true or not. I have always gotton along well with all of the nurses at my facility and with the majority of the CNAs that work there. Though are a few aides who I have had issues with that also work the 3-11 shift. Sad as it is to say there are cliques of people at work who like to gang up on people. So now I am wondering if it would be a smart idea to stay where I am at. Will people that I have formerly worked with as aides respect as a nurse who am I doomed to be walked upon. As for another shift it really isn't an option b/c my DON says that 3-11 is where the shortage really is. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[AshiPanda]

The CNAs don't have to like you... but they NEED to do their job and take care of their patients. If they are not doing this, then I would talk to the DON or something. But yea, times are tough right now... it took me so long to finally get into my LPN job, I would for now stay where you are because it sounds like a permanent job. They don't sound like they plan to lay you off... the economy sucks butt X3.

[kat7ap]

To be honest, it would probably be best to find a job elsewhere since you have worked with the same group of CNAs that you will supervising. Unfortunately this can create a lot of unneeded stress for you. Where I live most LTC 3-11 jobs are a dime a dozen because of the high turnover rates. I would test out applying at other LTCFs and see if you can get hired first before you turn in your resignation. I worked as a CNA in LTC before becoming an LVN and I can tell you that it is vastly different. Some CNAs can be very disrespectful and will try to get away with everything and just imagine imagine how they will feel when you become their supervising nurse...

[Lexxie, LPN]

On the other hand, it could be a fairly smooth transition for you to stay where you are. You already know policies and procedures for the facility, the residents, the other nurses, etc.. That would reduce some of the stress of learning the ropes as a new grad. Just my

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I would probably hang out there for a minute. At least you have an offer compared to others in this economy, and it is on familiar grounds. You will have to learn to place your nursing cap on with the CNAs that were your peers recently, but it may be that all of them will not be working on your floor. Bottom line is that you have to start somewhere and it may be a long, hard search. If the hospital does happen to recruit you in, all the better, but at least you'll have a bit of experience for now.

[systoly]

Congrats! Lexxie's point is very important. Starting in a familiar environment is a HUGE advantage. And, no matter where you go, the problem with cliques and people who strive on making a hard job even harder is ever present.

[NC Girl BSN]

I agree, I would stay as a LPN and just monitor the CNA to make sure they do theirs. I was a CNA for 15 years and when I became a LPN, I worried I would lose repsect. I had no problems with the transitions and all the CNA's loved me as a nurse. Why? Because I knew who did their work and would not be breathing down their necks. The ones that did not do their work, I stayed on them until they requested not to be on my hall. Once the bad ones were gone, I never had a problem on my unit with the CNA's becaused we had mutual respect for each other profession.