Need a seasoned nurse's advice

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Specializes in Geriatric.

I'm now a new grad and recently obtained my license. I am working on the floor as a CNA until my shifts are done this month then I move into the LPN position.

My coworkers (other aides) used to be kind to me and enjoy working with me but ever since they found out that next month I will be their nurse they have taken a 180 on me. They bark orders at me while they twiddle their thumbs, they make sure to tell our nurse every little thing they think I'm doing wrong, they spend time in rooms talking bad about me, and one even went as far as to scold me in a patients room. I've been turning the other cheek but I am miserable now. I used to love working there.

How do you deal with these types of people? I know nursing is cut throat at times but in my 14 years of being a CNA I have never had this issue. It seems as if it all started when they were told I was going to be their nurse starting next month.

I don't want to make enemies. I don't want to treat them like they are me. I don't want to be that person but I also don't want to come home hating my job.

I honestly don't know how to go about handling this situation. I'm hoping someone can give me advice, tough love, or constructive criticism. I know I'm not the only person to experience this.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Find a different unit or facility where you were not promoted from within. I'm sorry you're having a hard time.

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As much as you love your job, I think it would be best to start your nursing career at a different facility where you won't have known animosity. Good luck in your career and don't let them get you down, you worked to hard for your license!

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I agree it would be a good idea to start working as a nurse in a different setting (at least a different unit within the same facility) than you have been in all this time as a CNA. It is, unfortunately, v. common that people react the way you are describing, and many of the people you have been working with as a CNA (CNAs and nurses alike)will have a hard time really internalizing that you are no longer a CNA and are now an LPN. Many facilities with good administration won't allow people they are promoting to continue working on the same unit for exactly this reason, and promote them into a position on a different/new unit.

I had a similar experience early in my career when I was made charge nurse on my shift (the unit had never had a permanant, formal "charge nurse" on second shift before, we had all just shared and rotated charge responsibility from day to day, but we got a new unit director who thought this would be a good idea). Some of the other staff, with whom I had been good buddies for a long time, really resented that I was suddenly their "boss," more or less, and it was so problematic that the whole idea was eventually dropped.

Congratulations and best wishes!

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I saw this happen, once to a fellow CNA and once to a friend. I don't understand it, personally, but I agree with the others that if it is possible, try to find something outside of your facility or in a different area if your facility is large.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

It happens in education, too. Teaching assistants that become teachers usually end up teaching in a different school because at the old facility they are always seen as an aide-nursing or teaching. It is a good idea to start fresh at a new place.

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Specializes in M/S, pedi.

I know how you feel. It stinks, but I agree with other posters to work on another floor if possible. I worked as an aide for 17 years and I went to other floors for my orientation, then was hired on my previous floor after my 10 weeks. Worked well because I was more comfortable and confident as a nurse when I came back. Good luck with your transition!

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Specializes in Geriatric.

Thanks for all your replies. I don't understand how the most caring career has so many "mean girls" within. I'll probably never understand it either.

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Thanks for all your replies. I don't understand how the most caring career has so many "mean girls" within. I'll probably never understand it either.

Well, we're not angels -- that's a myth. We're just regular people, like everyone else. I think this particular issue is more about basic human nature than people being "mean."

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Specializes in Geriatric.

I don't think it's basic human nature to treat someone badly out of spite, which is what this feels like. To me that is mean.

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

While there will be people who are secure enough in themselves to be happy for your success, there will always be people who cannot be happy for you and will resent your attempts to improve yourself and your circumstances. I have experienced the same thing as I progressed through my career and I have to agree with what other people have said in that you will probably have to move to another unit/facility. Don't let other people hold you down! Move on, and move up.

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Specializes in Geriatric.

Thank you. I do appreciate everyone's input and everyone seems to have the same idea as to get started on a different unit or facility.

I think I'll call the DON today because that's what I have been feeling was the best answer but I didn't want to make rash decisions, especially since I used to love it there. I do have another job offer that I haven't responded to yet because of this. I'm fortunate that this isn't my only offer.

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