negative coworkers

Published

Hi everyone i'm Lari. I'm in a 12 month LPN program. Currently I have 4 more months left until i graduate. I work part time as a CNA at a job i've been employed at for almost 11 years. I've noticed lately that some of my co workers seem to be distant from me. It seems like their jealous because I'm going to be the person they have to report to soon. I thought these people would be happy for my accomplishments but all I seem to get is attitude and eye rolling when I come around. Has anyone experienced this at their place of employment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've seen that attitude towards nursing students who act like they're already nurses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you want to avoid problems in the workplace, get a job with a new employer once you get a license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
If you want to avoid problems in the workplace, get a job with a new employer once you get a license.

The old saying "you can never go home again" is true in these situations.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I understand what you mean!

I myself was a cna for 8 years after becoming an LPN, and let's just say not every one was happy for me. My advice to you is play it cool!

Not everyone will be happy with your accomplishments nevertheless don't flaunt your achievements in their faces. (Not saying that you are or you would)

Personally I don't get the beef between cna's and nurse!

We are all here to do a job that should make it easier for each other!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU.

It likely is the us and them mentality. You are now going to be one of "them" in their eyes. People tend to have a hard time with promotion, even if you have worked very hard for it. You need to continue working hard and studying hard. There will always be people who do not like seeing others succeed as it reminds them of their lack of success. (even if they have not tried). It will be a hard transition especially going from one of "them"(CNAs) to one of "them"(Nurse).

I have seen this happen, and what has worked as when the nurse has moved to a different department. You may want to consider transferring to a different unit or department as you would start as the nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I understand what you guys are saying but why should I leave a job I have been at for almost 11 years because a couple people have a problem with the fact i decided to go back to school to better myself. The DON at my job told me as soon as i graduate i have a job already. Start pay for GPN IS 18.54 after I take my boards it will be 20.54. Now would you say leave this job if it was you or would you ignore these jealous ******* and make your money?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU.

It isn't about leaving a job, it is about promoting yourself and learning the skills to succeed as a nurse. It will be a transition moving from the role of CNA to nurse. You MAY meet resistance when you have to delegate tasks to the CNAs. Tasks that you used to do as CNA but now as a nurse you will have to delegate. I have heard of situations where the nurse has tried to delegate tasks to the CNAs that she used to work with and they told her that she needed to remember where she came from. Meaning that they were not going to provide team work .

If you think that you will be able to delegate the tasks needed to care for your patients then take the job along with the eye-rolling, etc. Hopefully the CNAs will respect your new position. Ultimately only you know if you will be able to work with your teammates in your new role. Hopefully it will be a successful transition.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes, I would leave it. Spread your wings and your new knowledge base.

Work there for a short time while looking for a new job and watch your back the entire time. The knives will be out, especially if you talk to them the way you responded to us.

FYI, new grads in my area make $25.93 before shift premiums.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I thought these people would be happy for my accomplishments but all I seem to get is attitude and eye rolling when I come around.
This is called the crab mentality, a.k.a. the crabs-in-a-barrel phenomenon. One crab tries to climb out of the barrel, but the other crabs keep attempting to pull it to the bottom, thereby ensuring they all have the same bleak fate.

Crab mentality is a potent metaphor for the human response to self-improvement: one person strives to climb out of their current situation, but some of the people in close proximity are subconsciously trying to hold him/her back. Yes, this happens.

In addition, as the others have said, ensure your behavior does not come across as haughty or arrogant. CNAs can be a nurse's best allies, or they can be your worst saboteurs. Since the CNAs at your place of employers dislike you, you may wish to find somewhere else to work because they have the power to make things difficult for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

While I didn't happen to me when I was a CNA and in nursing school, I did see it happen to other people. Sometime, the student/CNA brought it on themselves. We had one CNA who was in school, came in with a stethoscope around her neck and wore it there the entire shift. No CNA in LTC need to have a stethoscope at all times, and this, combined with her attitude of self-superiority, really was a turn off to the other CNAs. I have also seen what the OP describes--a CNA is bettering his or herself (and his or her career) by going back to school and other CNAs are filled with a negative attitude to that person. I have heard from a CNA: "Don't you think it is just the most ridiculous thing Jess (name changed to protect the innocent) is going back to school. I don't like working with her now…can you believe what she will be like toward us after she has RN after her name. Pfft." I though Jeff was a great CNA and would become an excellent nurse.

Either ignore the attitudes, or you have to move on. As previously mentioned, you will be in a role where you have to lead the team of CNA. You will have to delegate tasks. If the CNAs don't respect you and can't handle your delegations, then a new employer might be the only solution. :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I understand what you guys are saying but why should I leave a job I have been at for almost 11 years because a couple people have a problem with the fact i decided to go back to school to better myself. The DON at my job told me as soon as i graduate i have a job already. Start pay for GPN IS 18.54 after I take my boards it will be 20.54. Now would you say leave this job if it was you or would you ignore these jealous ******* and make your money?

Make your money, honey!! Their issues are their issues. I bet the ones with the problems are the ones who are slacking, no? Uhm and you will soon be in a position to do something about it--they are seeing that their "vacation" is almost over.....

So don't sweat it. Best wishes moving forward!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion