Nurses attitudes

[DianneJ]

I work at a nursing home as a CNA and have started back to school, to become an LPN. I have been give the attitude that I am stupid and cannot get into the nursing program, by some of the LPN's at work. I just try to ask questions about nursing school and they are hateful. My DON talks to me like I have not clue to what I am doing, but hopes I can do my clinicals there. I know she is a negative person. But what should I say to them if they give me this attitude again?

[JHodson]

Hey girl!! Don't worry about them! The fact that you got accepted to the program proves something. It sounds like you have a few coworkers who may not like the fact that you're getting an education and doing things to better yourself.

Seriously, don't let them worry you. Just know that you'll be a fantastic LPN and these are very good examples of how NOT to treat your CNA's and nursing students who come thru your facility!!

Good luck girl!!!

[chicagoing, ADN, RN]

However you respond, try to keep a cool head. There is nothing to be gained by talking back or getting angry. However they treat you is a reflection of them and perhaps their own insecurities. Try not to let them get you down!

[athrun340]

Don't say anything. Just use everything they say as motivation. If you have any questions about nursing school, just post it here. Btw, I'd love to see what their faces would look like when you become an LPN or an RN haha

[nursel56]

Don't even go there with them again. I can't stand people who nitpick at somebody wanting to pursue their goals. Sometimes they will even ask you how things are going and say discouraging things to you when you answer! Seek out a few people you know are supportive - and share with them. There are probably students here you can connect with. Best wishes to you!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The answer is simple: stop talking about your hopes and dreams with these people.

If they have already indicated that they will not support you, then nothing will be gained by continuing to share your dreams of becoming an LPN with them. You need supportive people and mentors in your corner, not losers.

[DianneJ]

Thank you all for your comments. I appreciate it very much.

[Moogie]

I agree with the previous posters. It's the crab in a barrel mentality. They see you trying to crawl out of the barrel and are going to do whatever they can to keep you in there.

Don't let negative people squelch your dreams or make you feel like you can't do this.

Remember, too, success is sometimes the best revenge...

[ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN]

I love it when other nurses try to tell others that they would not make good nurses. Just because they have a designation behind their name (i.e LPN, RN, or MD) does not necessarily make them good. It is sad the number of people in the world who try to discourage others simply because they enjoy living in their own misery. I say do it! You never know…you may end up replacing Negative Nancy at your facility J

[SarahMaria, MSN, RN]

I'm very sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately, it's one that is all too familiar. I'm halfway through an RN program and work in a hospital. I work alternating positions as a unit secretary and a PCT (CNA). It doesn't seem to matter how intelligent, educated, or knowledgable a non-nurse is, the nursing staff at my facility always looks down on non-nurses and treats us like we are stupid. If I ever attempt to give my opinion on a situaton/patient or suggest something, I am immediately disregarded. Often, the nurse will say, "you are just the secretary/PCT." (As if I don't matter). I find their ignorant remarks especially interesting since I have more education and have earned a higher degree than any nurse on my hospital's unit. Despite holding a doctorate, bachelors, and I will complete nursing school in August, the nursing staff do not value my work, opinions, and they enjoy "putting me in my place." It is a situation I don't understand. I have never treated the nursing staff badly. I would assume you have also been civil, respectful, and cooperative while working with the nurses at your facility.

I have a question... Have you expressed a desire to continue your education beyond an LPN license? Just a thought. These nurses you work with are LPNs, and if you are ambitious and aspire to become an RN, BSN, MSN, etc., that motivation/drive to better yourself might be creating jealousy/envy. Those nurses could be re-evaluating themselves and their own situations wishing they could continue their education for whatever reason.

My advice is to avoid the topic of school. Don't bring it up, and if you are asked, give as brief response as possible. If a nurse is giving you a really hard time, I would suggest speaking privately with him/her to let them know how their comments bother you. Hopefully that would help. If not, perhaps sit down with your manager. Try not to let their negativity bother you. Learn from their bad examples, that's not the kind of nurse you want to become.

I wish you the best of luck. Don't let the jerks get you down!! :)

[DayDreamin ER CRNP]

The answer is simple: stop talking about your hopes and dreams with these people.

If they have already indicated that they will not support you, then nothing will be gained by continuing to share your dreams of becoming an LPN with them. You need supportive people and mentors in your corner, not losers.

Exactly.

They obviously see you as a threat so they are going to be the type of nurses that we hear so much about in nursing school. They "eat their young."

Keep your chin up, Buttercup - stick to your work and find your support in your fellow students and here too!

m

[DianneJ]

SarahMaria

I will also be going for my RN degree. The Director of Nursing in my facility is also one that talks to me like I am stupid. I really do not think she is suppose to talk like that she should be encouraging.

Also there is one other CNA that is going to school too. We talk to each other alto about becoming LPNs. and an LPN that I have I have known since I was fourteen (before she became an LPN) who is very incouraging.