Need some insight (CNA-LVN transition)

Specialties Geriatric

Published

Specializes in Mostly LTC, some acute and some ER,.

I have been a CNA in my current workplace for 6 years (LTC). I have been out of nursing school for 5 months, and I just started working in the same place as an LVN on the 14th of this month.

I always knew it was going to be hard, but I had no idea it was going to be this hard, Considering my largest med pass was for 8 patients in a LTC. Now I have about 22. That is hard enough. My morning med passes take me about 4 hours sometimes more, then noon med pass takes me about 2-3 hours, and evening takes me about 3-4 hours. thats almost my entire shift!!! and I have to get treatments, accuchecks and charting in there somewhere, and if an emergency comes up . . . . UGH.

I am still on orientation, so another nurse will usually help if need be, but it always seems as if I always forget something, or screw something up.

I really feel that my being there, trying to figure out the routine, is screwing up everyone else's routine. The residents get mad because things aren't running on time, I can tell that other staff members are annoyed because I'd forget something or be behind on something. I've worked a total of 5 complete shifts, and I already feel like this was not worth all the schooling and everything I went through and sacrificed to go to school.

To make matters worse, certain people are going out of their way to make this extra hard for me. Certain CNA's that I have worked side by side with over the years. It really brings me down to be standing around the corner and I hear talk of what a lousy nurse I am, how I am going to fail miserably, and how they are not going to listen to anything I tell them to do.

I constantly feel like crying, and I feel so sick to my stomach by the end of the day. The sad thing is there is nowhere else around here for me to work, and I do want to stay. I do have many friends . . . but not as many as I had there before. I want to stay at that place because I practically grew up there, I know everyone, and I want to stay around the few people left who still support me.

How should I handle all this???:icon_roll

0 Votes
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

First of all, cut yourself some slack....5 shifts and you're worried that you're not getting everything on time?!!? It takes at least a month or more to develop a rhythm and a system of your own to get everything done.

Too bad if your way of doing things isn't the same. The residents will get their meds and nothing bad will happen. I've been a nurse for 25 years-the last 15 mostly in management but every now and then I have to do a med pass. Do the patients get cranky? Yeah because I don't do it 'like the other girl.'. I do it by the book and by the end of the day, everyone has had the right med. Don't give up so soon. Perhaps those CNAs who stand around the corner are jealous of you and your new skills and job.

Keep us posted.

0 Votes
Specializes in My first yr. as a LVN!.

How frustrating, but congrats on the trasition. Have you spoke up to tell everyone that to be a bit patient as youre still working out the kinks? No one can expect perfection the first time with something new ... and youre co workers, trust me, as much as it hurts, this will happen youre entire medical career. Ive had that at some of the offices I worked at, I felt like a black sheep .. it made me uncomfortable but I went about my business because keep in your head youre their for your patients and to work to earn your experience and paycheck to put food on tha table .. though at times its hard to think like that eventually you will and when they see that you brush it off then soon they will stop talking. Im sure theyre not used to you being in control of their jobs ... soon in time the 'dust will settle' hang in there ... !!

0 Votes

Take heart, things will get easier, the med pass will get faster as you continue to do it.Those CNAs who you used to work with don't know how difficult it is to do the LPN's job, as you probably didn't know either when you were a CNA. It may seem overwhelming, but 22 patients is a fairly decent ratio.Don't even think of quitting and going anywhere else. Time and experience will iron out the wrinkles.

0 Votes
Specializes in geriatrics.

Hang in there, I too went from a cena to a nurse at the same facility. Some of the Cenas I thought were my friends turned on me when I became a nurse. Becuase now I am not their buddy I am their supervisor. But I also have some great friends that support me, too. It is hard at first, but it gets better and I'm glad I stayed. I also found it funny that nurses and supervisors that would not give the time of day when I was a cena, now talk to me.

0 Votes
Specializes in sub-acute.

I have gone thorugh a similar situation. 7 years in the same facility, 5 as a aide and 2 as a nurse. Fortunately, All of my old CNA peers have been very supportive. A few of the nurses were a little bent out of shape at first, but they got over it.:nuke:

As far as shift routine goes, you just have to give it time. Continue to do everything as you were taught and follow your facility's policy and procedure. Experience will shorten up your time as you gain a routine.

0 Votes

Take heart! It will become easier for you. It isn't that the job is easy its just that you will become more familiar with being a nurse. I did the same thing as you. I worked for 8 years as a CNA before becoming an LPN and I remained in the same facility. Now I am an RN and I did work for 2 more years as an RN for this same facility that I once worked as CNA and LPN before moving on to acute care. It is very difficult to transition from CNA to nurse, the responsiblity you now have is overwelming at times. You will gain so much if you just stick with it. The knowledge I gained from my years in LTC have been so valuable to my becoming a good rounded nurse. You will do and see so much during your time as a nurse in LTC and this will prepare you for anything you may wish to do in the future.

0 Votes

Wow, what great advice, I myself am in a similar situation and have been online looking for all the help i could find. I have worked as a CNA in a long term care facility and am a new LPN. I am told by many other nurses with similar experience how hard it is to transition into a nurse from being a CNA. Although I am always hopeful for the best and anticipate a good outcome to become a well rounded nurse I have to admit being a little intimidated. I am fortunate to be working a different shift from my previous CNA experience which will expose me to different staff who won't have all known me as a CNA. However, I have no problem speaking up and voicing my opinion when i feel it is needed, I strongly disagree with bullying and believe as a health care professional in establishing boundaries between staff and patients so no respect is lost. i just pray to keep the same confidence or gain more in this tough field. Thank you all for all of your helpful opinions and advice, I start in a few days and although nervous, I am also anxious to begin my new career!

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment