1st LPN job.....VERY disenchanting

VM85 · Sep 5, 2009

Although I dont know how this would work in the real world, I have dealt with people that fit the description in clinical and have heard nurses talking about this very topic. What I would do is just try to make friends with those you need help from. Do some of the patients care when you have time. Do the simple tasks when you can. And rather than asking them to do it, such as care, ask if you could have some assistance. That way they dont think you are just trying to have them do all of the "dirty" work, even though it is in their job description. They may have a sour taste in their mouth from previous nurses that had them do everything. And it may stay the same at first, they may give you an attitude, but just keep on assisting, because eventually they will respect you since you dont think your above the work, even though its not that at all, your just busy. And you may become the person that the nurses dont like lol since all of the CNA's will help you out without having a heart attack.

I am job hunting for my first job and I am hoping I dont run into this. Its very hard to go to a place that you dont enjoy working, and since you were interested in this position and it was the only one you applied to, dont give up. You are to new to the field to get burnt out and tired of all the bologna that comes with nursing. So I do hope things change! Good luck!

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2009

What do you mean that you're asked to work the floor several shifts a week? You mean as a CNA, so the CMA's can pass meds? Uhhh, scope of practice here, their scope is very liminited compared to the LVN/LPN. That's rediculous if that's what you're doing. You didn't go to school to do a CNA's job on a regular basis. Don't get me wrong, we as nurses can do the CNA's job and assist the CNA because in the end, whatever a CNA can do, we can do too. But that's their main task when working the floor and we're there to data collect, pass meds, give tx, charting etc, all the stuff that they can't do. I'm sorry but I don't see how you should have to work the floor if there are CNA's and CMA (which I still don't get that one) who are capable of doing the basic care while the LVN/LPN can do the more advanced care.

I agree with the above poster, do the simple care that you can do if you're in there. Offer the bed pan if you're with one patient. Then another patient you can give them a wash cloth so they can clean their face. Turn the patient that can help you turn him/herself. Stuff like that, see if that works. Try it with those nasty aides, if they are still nasty after all the things you do for them, then guess what? DON'T DO IT AGAIN, only do it for the aides that appreciate your help. Then they will see that if they're helpful, then you're going to be helpful back. I can't stand CNA's with attitudes like that. Give them verbal warnings, and make sure you document this in a book or something with dates, and times. That way if their attitudes don't change then you can do a written warning and insert those verbal warnings in there stating something like "after 3 verbal warnings dated yadda yadda yadda the CNA yadda yadda yadda..." that way it's documented that you did give verbal warnings after their attitudes didn't change. I learned this from a RN who had the same problem with CNA's who had attitudes.

Scorpio,LPN · Sep 6, 2009

Yes CMA can pass meds, and they are upset that there are now 5 rotating LPN's on the floor, and our floor supervisor is the one who said we will now be rotating the floor working as CNA'S!!!!! I'm really upset about it. I do beleive direct patient care (bed pans, toilting, etc) are part of my job and I should assist where and if I can, but I have been a CNA I went to school so I could be a nurse. Eyerolling, refusing to do VTS, WTS, making LPNS clean dining rooms, stop passing meds to feed residents, it's just a weird concept to me, and here is the kicker, I work for the state, so taxpayers make up my check, to pay me $19.00 an hour to work on the floor as a CNA is a waste of money and my skill. I'm just frustrated, maybe I should just be greatful I have a job and quit whining. Thanks for the advice about keeping a notebook, I'm going to start that! Even if I cant write warnings (which I'm not sure LPN's can there) at least next time my supervisor asks for examples I will have plenty to hand up!

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 6, 2009

If you're a CNA's supervisor, then you can write up a CNA. Why wouldn't you be able to? There's no reason why a LPN/LVN should work as a CNA totally unless the floor is short. You have CNA's and CMA's that can do that, they're scope is limited. I don't think you should have to stop passing meds in order to feed patient, or do any of those other tasks. What I meant is that you can do something small if while you're doing your med pass. Don't stop your med pass to do all that stuff, that's what your aides are for. Offer the bedpan to your patient 8 times out of 10 they will say they don't need it. Offer it to ones that it wont take up that much of your time for. You can put them on the bedpan and then let a CNA know that the patient is on the bedpan and that the patient will call when he/she is finished, and the CNA can go get them off the bedpan while you continue your med pass. If you do something small it shows that you're willing to help your aides and maybe some of them will appreciate it.

Scorpio,LPN · Sep 7, 2009

Dont get me wrong, I undewrstand what you are saying, what I mean is that is now the practice at this facility, LPNS stopping med pass to feed, pass trays, clean the diing room, help with showers, etc because the CNA,and CMA are complaining! And the supervisors are supporting this.

Scorpio,LPN · Sep 10, 2009

I have decided that the attitude at which you approach something will directly impact it's outcome, therefore I will do my job, all that is asked of me (within reason) with a positive attitude, and be thankful that I am blessed to have an education and employment. I will also remember that there are many people who would love the opportunity I have recieved, and quit whining about unimportant matters.......That said, thank you for listening!