Respect of co-workers

Nurses General Nursing

Published

After graduation, I have an RN position lined up in ICU. In the meantime, I am working as a CNA there to become familiar w/ the routine etc... I am concerned that when my title shifts from CNA to RN I won't have the respect of some of the staff, particularly the CNA's that are training me now! Do you have suggestions on how to avoid problems of transitioning?!

Specializes in Pediatric Rehabilitation.

Welcome to the board, Big!! I started out in Central Supply, moved to Purchasing and then to Unit Secretary while finishing nursing school. Accepted a position on the same floor where I was a secretary. Take my word, you'll have respect. Everytime they need something that falls into the scope of your old job, they'll call on you..lol. Respect comes by how you do your job and how you handle yourself, not by what position you've held in the past. Just don't forget where you came from and you'll be just fine!

Good luck!

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I do not have this problem as I am not an aide, but just realized that this COULD be a problem. I have a friend who is doing his focused practicums in an ICU where he is also a CNA. He is finding that the staff is still treating his as a CNA instead of as someone they should be mentoring. I have not talked to him since he has complained about this and hopefully the situation has resolved itself. Good luck to you.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Respect is earned. You have to earn your wings as an RN the same way you did as a CNA. It is not automatic or a given.

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