Respect for New Nurses

Nurses Relations

Published

Hi, I just graduated from nursing school in May and need some advice. I am a charge nurse at a nursing home that I worked at as a CNA when I was in nursing school.

My problem is none of my coworkers see me as a charge nurses. The CNA's I work with are constantly telling me I am too young (I am 22 working with the majority of people old enough to retire) to be in charge. Not one of the CNAs do what I ask them too and if they have a question they don't ask me they go straight to the DON.

They disrespect me and are mean about it. I do not ask a lot of the CNAs, just to do there job. I am constantly saying if you do your job I will do mine, and there will be no problems. However they slack off on basic care for the residents.

Last night a CNA put a resident to bed at 6 fully clothed. when I when in to the room 10:30 rounds the patient was not change, and still in there socks and shoes. Meanwhile the CNAs were all talking and laughing in the dining room of the facility. I asked why this resident has not even been checked to see if they were wet, the CNA replied I checked them before supper (4:30), and they were dry. They told me, I did not want to wake them up at 7 to get washed up. After explaining that was not ok. The CNA still sat there talking and not tending to the resident. So I had to do it because I could not let the resident stay like that. If I would have tried to write them up they would not sign it saying there is no way some 22 year old is going to tell me what to do. It's really frustrating when no one will do what you ask them because you are younger then they are. If anyone had any advice it would be greatly appreciated!

I know it will be hard to get people to respect me when 6 months ago I was in there position. Now instead of them telling me what to I am the one in charge. As hard as it will be I think it would be harder to change facilities. I love my residents! Who could not love an 90 year old who needs a hug before they can go to sleep at night. When I am working I know my residents are getting the care they deserve even if it means I have to do it myself. I am going to stand up for myself and stick it out for at least a year. I owe my residents that. If things don't change by then I will have to look for a new job and again thank you to everyone who took time to give me advice!

It is NEVER a good idea to advance to a professional position, within the same facility. You should not have to fight for the respect you deserve.

You need to take care of yourself and your career. The residents will be provided for.

Martyrs never win.

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