6 Months in and Miserable

[kesRN]

So, I just started working in a LTC & Rehab facility 6 months ago as a new RN and I just need some reassurance-because lately I dread going into work! There is a good mix of RN's and LPN's at this particular facility but for some reason the attitude I'm seeing is "RN's vs LPN's". I have literally heard a couple of the LPN's say they are "second class citizens" at the facility. I have never honestly thought of the two licenses as being that different (although i do know there are a few responsibility wise) especially in my facility where we work as a team (or we are supposed to). I don't really see any instances where they are treated differently in a bad way either, they have a union and the RN's don't, so they get more overtime, holiday pay and bonuses. The environment is so hostile that even patients can sense it (apparently they have made comments about it). I love 90% of the patients, and I feel that in terms of care, assessment and having instincts when something is off with one of my patients I am doing well, but I have to know-is this what nursing is?? People trying to throw each other under the bus, talking about everyone behind their backs and just generally being mean?? I am so desperate to get out of this place and my stomach is in knots every time I have to work. If this is what it's going to be like no matter what facility I go to it makes me want to reconsider my career choice! Help!

[healthstar, BSN, RN]

So I just started working in a LTC & Rehab facility 6 months ago as a new RN and I just need some reassurance-because lately I dread going into work! There is a good mix of RN's and LPN's at this particular facility but for some reason the attitude I'm seeing is "RN's vs LPN's". I have literally heard a couple of the LPN's say they are "second class citizens" at the facility. I have never honestly thought of the two licenses as being that different (although i do know there are a few responsibility wise) especially in my facility where we work as a team (or we are supposed to). I don't really see any instances where they are treated differently in a bad way either, they have a union and the RN's don't, so they get more overtime, holiday pay and bonuses. The environment is so hostile that even patients can sense it (apparently they have made comments about it). I love 90% of the patients, and I feel that in terms of care, assessment and having instincts when something is off with one of my patients I am doing well, but I have to know-is this what nursing is?? People trying to throw each other under the bus, talking about everyone behind their backs and just generally being mean?? I am so desperate to get out of this place and my stomach is in knots every time I have to work. If this is what it's going to be like no matter what facility I go to it makes me want to reconsider my career choice! Help![/quote']

Hi

The good thing is that you are not having difficulty with nursing process ,tasks, organization , pts etc. I do not have too much experience as a nurse , I am new myself but from what I have seen and heard is that you cannot escape gossip, negative , rude people! Ever! Negative people and miserable will always find something to complain about, their goal is to bring people down to their level! Another lesson I have learned just by hearing and watching coworkers is to NEVER make a coworker a bestfriend do not go overboard with sharing personal stuff, unless you want to be in the media the next day lol. I am a type of person that smiles sunrise to sunset to everyone!! I love to laugh, I am super friendly, touchy feely kind of person. I try so hard not to hurt anyone's feelings. I get along with everyone regardless if I like or dislike them! And no I am not fake, I am respectful! There are a lot of people who will

take your kindness as a weakness! Some will use you to do their work because you're too nice to say NO. I need to learn to say NO, I have such a hard time saying it!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

First of all, you didn't create this situation, so it is not about you. You are caught up in something that has been going on for some time. But that doesn't mean that you can't help stop it.

You didn't provide any specifics as to whether you had been the target of any of this "hostility", so it's difficult to give advice since it would be different if you were personally involved vs. just a general thing. First of all, have you tried to talk to the LPNs about this? Letting them know that you really want to work together. Remember that actions speak louder than words. When you have to make a decision, ask for their contributions and advice - let them know you value their expertise. Make sure that you are always equitable in making assignments or delegating. Let them see that you are doing your 'fair share'.

Never bad mouth anyone, even if you think you're speaking to someone safe - I guarantee that the disparaging remarks will get back to them and it will make things much worse. In fact, use the gossip to your advantage - make positive comments and be complementary towards the LPNs. Those will also be 're-circulated'. Just make sure that the comments are genuine and authentic so you won't come across as fake or insincere.

Have you discussed this with your manager? If not, please do. This is part of her job, but don't assume that she already knows about it. If that doesn't work, make an appointment and talk to HR. Employee relations are their overall responsibility.

Best of luck!

[Mindyruiz]

Sounds like this facility is plagued with nastiness! As a brand new nurse it is really unfortunate that you are having to deal with that. I would say start looking for another job. I work ICU, and since there are no CNAs or LPNs around to help- everything is total care- we RNs all band together and rely on each other to turn, change, bathe, etc. Nurses are notoriously ugly with each other, but in an environment where we really can't do anything without each other we're all really close. You have a lot of options as an RN, so don't put up with the crap. Put yourself in a place that will help you grow. Good luck, I hope things change so you can discover how wonderful nursing can be!

[DeBerham]

Not a new nurse, but have had some experience with this on the other side... As a one time LPN my advice is to talk to the LPNs. There is nothing worse than coworkers who think they are superior than you. Make an effort to treat everyone as a human being. CNA, LPN, housekeeping, everyone... They're all people. You will be respected for it and it may in fact effect a change. Be their friend. Foster an environment where they are comfortable with you. You said it yourself, you are there to work together. Start by creating the environment that you want to work in.