Should I stay in the same place as a new RN as I am currently as a CNA

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I currently work as a CNA and will graduate in December. I have bee offered a position as an RN once I graduate. I worry that it will be difficult for me to not continue to do the work I do now and also for the others nurses to see me as a RN and not as a CNA. Would I be better to stay where I know I have a job or start looking for something else?:confused:

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.

In this economy...i'd stay where you know you have a job, especially if you like the facility.

I previously worked as a CNA at the facility where I am now an RN. The transition was difficult, but everyone was very supportive. I do work on a diffierent unit as an RN then where I worked as a CNA...but I do occasionally work with some of the same nurses & CNAs I worked with when I was a CNA...it works out fine.

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Ummmm...I echo Katie's' sentiments. In this market, you should be grateful they are offering you a position. (*Note*: I am not saying this with a mean/rude tone and I'm sure you are grateful). You best stay where you are and enjoy your guaranteed job. Your fellow co-workers will get used to your role change. :D

I actually think staying where you are might be easier because you already know the nurses, physicians, and other staff. Plus, you know the hospital regulations/rules/phone numbers etc, etc, etc.....:twocents:

Congratulations and Good Luck! :yeah:

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The few new grads being hired where I am seem to be those who were CNAs at the hospital. Your nurse manager approves of your performance, potential and teamwork or you wouldn't have the offer - that should make it easier. A lot of the nurses there were once CNAs and a lot of the CNAs aim to be nurses which will also make it easier.

My advice - grab it.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I would grab it...being familar with the floor, expected roles, general condition of patients and the type of patients and common orders and situations goes a long way.

I have been a RN for 14 months now on the same unit, and I enjoy my job....it becomes interesting as we see a lot of different patients.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Orthopedics, Hospitalists.

I worked as a PCT on the same unit I was hired onto as an RN. My unit supported me through my transition and I didn't have any issues. The expectation that I would be an RN and that the PCT role, though it lasted for well over 6 months, was a temporary one may have helped. :)

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I worked through school as a CNA at a local hospital. On graduation I stayed on the same unit working as an RN and had only a few problems making the transition. I have now been an RN for about 4 years and have no regrets about my decison.

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Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

That is what I did after I graduated. I already knew the hospital and a lot of the people. He gave me an advantage and I was ahead of the game. I stayed at that hospital for about 3 years after graduation.

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Specializes in Critical Care,Recovery, ED.

A bird in the hand.... Jobs for new grads are not easy to come by in this economy. Take it and if in a year or so your current employer is not meeting your career development needs then begin your search as an experienced RN.

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Specializes in Mostly LTC, some acute and some ER,.

I am an LVN working in the same place where I had been a CNA for 6 years. I will be honest, the transition was hard for me. At first quite a few of the CNA's would not listen to anything I asked them to do, and had no respect for me as a nurse. I did have to put my foot down. The words that changed it all around: "I am sorry that you have a problem with me being your supervisor. If you recall, I did go to school to become a nurse. I earned this position, it didn't just fall out of the sky. Nothing is stopping you either. You're just as capable as I am of becoming a nurse, and think about how you would feel in my position. Go ahead and try to make my life hell, remember I can make it 10 times worse."

The transition lasted about 6 months. I am now nearing 2 years as an LVN, and it is going a lot better. They show me respect, and in turn, I show them respect. There are even some CNA's I have remained close friends with, but that does not change anything at work. I am still their supervisor.

I would grab the job that was offered to you. Yes, the transition was hard, but its an obsticle that can be overcome. There are perks or working in the same place. You already know who's who, you already know the ins and outs of the unit, and you know exactly who to go to when your not having the best day.

Congratulations on surviving nursing school!!!

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I am working as a nurse at the same hospital and unit where I used to be a unit secretary. Everyone seems to take it in stride and I have not had a single problem, just the opposite in fact, everyone has been wonderful to me!

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I was hired into a job at a LTC facility as a CNA with the plan that I would go into the first slot open for a licensed nurse. It was not a successful transition. The CNAs gave me no respect because management gave me no respect. I was not part of the ethnic group that was the majority there and consequently I did not stay there long. Any difficulties in transitioning get ironed out with the support of management. If management does not support you, it does not matter what the situation, you will have a hard or impossible time. That being said, I would take any job offered. It is easier to look for a new job when you are already working. Good luck.

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