In over my head?

[khinlicky]

I'm still in nursing school and have about a year to go. The hospital where I work as an aid has started a new program where nursing students can apply for a special position where we can work as aids but also perform some nursing responsibilities under the supervision of an RN (catheters, IVs, etc. things that we have been checked off on in nursing school). I just took on this role and was quite excited about it. They gave us new nametags so everyone can identify us and ask us for help with work.

Keep in mind, i've already worked here for over a year as just an aid so I already know all the people on my unit. The other day I was standing at the nurses station when a woman walked by who I have always gotten along with. She did a double take when she saw my nametag and then turned to someone and said (with an attitude), "she would never be my nurse. never." and then walked away.

Needless to say, it was both embarrassing and crushing (and stunning, because I thought we were friends.) I don't even like the idea of relaying this story to anyone, but I think it's important. When I think about the kind of reactions i get from a lot of nurses when I mention that I'm getting an ADN, they don't seem impressed. I get the feeling that they don't have a lot of confidence in me. I do not think that I am as smart as most of the RNs that i work with, but I am a hard worker and have hoped that, with time and practice, by the time I graduate I will be capable of doing an RNs job. I'm aware that it is very serious work taking care of people and while I may not be as clever as some people, I am cautious and I care about my patients.

But sometimes other people know things you don't know yourself, and when someone who knows you says they wouldn't want you as their nurse, that's pretty serious. I'm just looking for some input from people who have experience. The idea of becoming a bad nurse, or a nurse that no one respects, makes me nauseous.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I'm just looking for some input from people who have experience.

I think you are paying entirely too much attention to an insult made by a coworker who would probably not reciprocate with the same level of attentiveness if you were to openly insult her in the same manner.

Do not allow certain people to rent that valuable space inside your head. I can assure you that this coworker would, in all likelihood, not lose any sleep over being told that you would not ever want her as your RT.

In other words, it is time to stop allowing other peoples' commentary to devastate you. You confer too much power to others when you permit their words to crush your confidence. Some assertiveness will go a long way in your career. Good luck to you.

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

Another viewpoint...

In reading your post and referencing the title of the thread, I get the impression that you are easily reeled in by the power of suggestion. You might want to get a handle on that quickly, as there is no shortage of manipulation and persuasive arguments in the healthcare field, whether you're lying in the bed or standing over it.

As for the RT, is it possible that s/he was being jokingly sarcastic? If you don't believe so, then you should wonder why s/he felt comfortable enough to make that statement to the person she chose...what is person #3's perception of you? (Question for the void). Point is, you simply cannot concern yourself with the personal feelings of your coworkers. FYI, if I considered you my friend, you would never be my nurse, either. That being said, anyone I work with could be my nurse.

As for the RNs not being impressed by your pursuing the ASN, why would they and why should you care? Besides, they have first-hand experience that nursing is not the glorious portrait that was painted in nursing school. Knowing what I know about nursing, I'm definitely not impressed by nursing students or new grads. In fact, I find myself wondering why would someone deliberately choose nursing or healthcare PERIOD, (after what it has become), except to gain the knowledge of how to keep their loved ones as far away from the system as possible! What impresses me are those nurses who are still in it after 35-40 years!!

But the real reason they reacted as such might be because they know that they're going to be not only another aide short when you're done, but the additional free labor from you in the interest of exposure and experience will be over.

Personally, I feel absolutely nothing for the people I work with. Professionally, I expect them to be there for me as I am for them in a time of need. They have my all. However, I do have compassion for each and every one of my colleagues. But my emotional involvements and I never have the same employer.

The feelings you have now are a key reason for my associations on the job beginning and ending at the timeclock. Let it roll off and keep it moving! Your going to need that wasted energy soon enough.

[Erythropoiesis]

She's jealous of you. That's your new mantra when the next grown adult makes a snarky remark like that. "She's jealous of me". This person has probably been stuck in the same role, at the same hospital, for the same crappy pay and now she's seeing you leveling up and she's jealous. Ignore her, keep your head down and keep swimming until you get all of your credentials. Losers will always scream the loudest.

[BeenThere2012, ASN, RN]

I don't have much to add here....everone pretty much said it all and I agree fully. PLEASE do NOT let a mean jerk undermine you. You know who you are. After all you have done and accomplished so far, why would you think you won't be a good nurse...because of that jerk who IS NOT YOUR FRIEND? Every nurse I have ever known has had worry about their abilities....at some time or another. As one poster said, if you didn't, then Id be worried.

I'm sure you are absolutely fine or else you wouldn't have gotten this far, nor would you have been accepted to this program at your hospital. Do you think all your instructors, the hospital administration etc...do not know what they are doing? They wouldn't have allowed you to progress if you weren't doing a good job. No one is perfect and we all grow in our profession. You aren't even finished with school yet. Whatever the attitudes are of you current co-workers, they have no way of knowing what you will become.

I ONCE.....one time...had "thoughts" about a particular nurse where I was doubting her ability. As I got to know her and worked with her more, I realized she in fact, was an excellent nurse. I now know after many years as a nurse that we all have our particular strengths and weaknesses. We all are still important and valuable. The best attitude to have is to accept ourselves as we are and work together. When I have something to do for a patient that is not one of my strengths, I ask a co-worker for help and they have done the same with me. We are not robots for Pete's sake, and no one nurse is perfect. So, focus on improving where you need to as best you can, and continue to develop your strengths.

Don't give up. I'm sorry your feelings were hurt and your confidence was shaken, but what she said should be ERASED IMMEDIATELY from your mind.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I'm still in nursing school and have about a year to go. The hospital where I work as an aid has started a new program where nursing students can apply for a special position where we can work as aids but also perform some nursing responsibilities under the supervision of an RN (catheters, IVs, etc. things that we have been checked off on in nursing school). I just took on this role and was quite excited about it. They gave us new nametags so everyone can identify us and ask us for help with work.

Keep in mind, i've already worked here for over a year as just an aid so I already know all the people on my unit. The other day I was standing at the nurses station when a woman walked by who I have always gotten along with. She did a double take when she saw my nametag and then turned to someone and said (with an attitude), "she would never be my nurse. never." and then walked away.

Needless to say, it was both embarrassing and crushing (and stunning, because I thought we were friends.) I don't even like the idea of relaying this story to anyone, but I think it's important. When I think about the kind of reactions i get from a lot of nurses when I mention that I'm getting an ADN, they don't seem impressed. I get the feeling that they don't have a lot of confidence in me. I do not think that I am as smart as most of the RNs that i work with, but I am a hard worker and have hoped that, with time and practice, by the time I graduate I will be capable of doing an RNs job. I'm aware that it is very serious work taking care of people and while I may not be as clever as some people, I am cautious and I care about my patients.

But sometimes other people know things you don't know yourself, and when someone who knows you says they wouldn't want you as their nurse, that's pretty serious. I'm just looking for some input from people who have experience. The idea of becoming a bad nurse, or a nurse that no one respects, makes me nauseous.

I don't know you and I don't know the person who made the remark. What I will say is that someone who makes the nasty "I would never want you to be MY nurse" comment on this forum usually does it because they don't like what the poster said and don't really have a legitimate argument. I'm thinking it's just nastiness on the part of your coworker, just like it is here.

[Guttercat, ASN, RN]

The perfectly timed response would have been: "I'm delighted to hear that. Because I'd never want you as my patient."

[Erythropoiesis]

I don't know you and I don't know the person who made the remark. What I will say is that someone who makes the nasty "I would never want you to be MY nurse" comment on this forum usually does it because they don't like what the poster said and don't really have a legitimate argument. I'm thinking it's just nastiness on the part of your coworker, just like it is here.

Right. It's the adult equivalent of that punk preschooler who always said, "You aren't my friend anymore!" It shows a lack of understanding, a lack of an argument, and a lack of emotional intelligence on their part. Just blow it off.

[CalArmy]

Love it!! The comment about not wanting her as a patient. It's hard but ignore her. Someone that is that blatantly mean lacks common decency and is not worth your time or worry.