Still working as a CNA with RN license - resign?

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I currently work a magnet hospital as a nursing assistant. I started here about 6 months ago and my director knew that I was going to graduate from nursing school in a few short months and we talked about starting in the new grad program they have. I graduated in May and passed my nclex the first week of June. I had applied to a few new grad positions the following week. I did mention my applications to my director and she kind of brushed it off and said "at least you have a job" and "We've had a CNA that waited 8 months to become a new rn with us, its worth waiting" I felt a little brought back however I listened and continued working there as a CNA as I applied to other hospitals. Two months later and I haven't heard back and my application status haven't changed. I have been offered 2 new grad positions at other hospitals and I accepted a new grad RN position elsewhere than where I currently work. I start in a few weeks but I am having a hard time not feeling guilty about leaving my current workplace. My new job offer is a New grad position and on my dream unit in the ICU.

Advice on how to resign as a CNA? I plan to give them well over two weeks notice so I don't burn any bridges but I have a feeling my director won't take it too well.

I don't understand why I feel guilty. Anyone else experience anything similar?

Thanks for any insight!

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Specializes in NICU.

I am surprised the hospital allowed you to maintain your CNA position after getting your RN license.

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2 minutes ago, NICU Guy said:

I am surprised the hospital allowed you to maintain your CNA position after getting your RN license.

I have heard other states not allowing an RN to work as a CNA it might vary amongst each state as I have never heard of this being a problem here in CA.

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Just now, BEERN19 said:

I have heard other states not allowing an RN to work as a CNA it might vary amongst each state as I have never heard of this being a problem here in CA.

BTW I like your username. I would love to be a NICU nurse one day.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Tele/ER/Urgent Care.
1 hour ago, BEERN19 said:

. I started here about 6 months ago and my director knew that I was going to graduate from nursing school in a few short months and we talked about starting in the new grad program they have. I graduated in May and passed my nclex the first week of June. I had applied to a few new grad positions the following week. I did mention my applications to my director and she kind of brushed it off and said "at least you have a job" and "We've had a CNA that waited 8 months to become a new rn with us, its worth waiting"

I start in a few weeks but I am having a hard time not feeling guilty about leaving my current workplace. My new job offer is a New grad position and on my dream unit in the ICU.

Advice on how to resign as a CNA? I plan to give them well over two weeks notice so I don't burn any bridges but I have a feeling my director won't take it too well.

I don't understand why I feel guilty. Anyone else experience anything similar?

They have known all along where you were headed. I would not feel guilty at all, they have ignored you. I would give the required notice as not to burn bridges but would hand in resignation letter to the manager that thinks it is ok for someone to work "8" months (crazy) as CNA instead of RN. Sounds like they are not excited for you, did they even acknowledge your accomplishment? Did they hire any new grads from May 2019? It is August now. Talk to HR/ give your notice but I would move on.

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17 hours ago, PollywogNP said:

They have known all along where you were headed. I would not feel guilty at all, they have ignored you. I would give the required notice as not to burn bridges but would hand in resignation letter to the manager that thinks it is ok for someone to work "8" months (crazy) as CNA instead of RN. Sounds like they are not excited for you, did they even acknowledge your accomplishment? Did they hire any new grads from May 2019? It is August now. Talk to HR/ give your notice but I would move on.

A new grad program started in June 2019 and I could have been a part of it and thought my director would vouch for me but I think it’s because they’re short nursing assistants but quite honestly I’m over it I didn’t complete nursing school and pass nclex to stilllll be a CNA. I see all these other folks I’ve gone to school with get their RN positions. Thanks for your advice. I gave my notice to HR.

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On 8/1/2019 at 6:55 PM, BEERN19 said:

I did mention my applications to my director and she kind of brushed it off and said "at least you have a job" and "We've had a CNA that waited 8 months to become a new rn with us, its worth waiting"

On 8/1/2019 at 6:55 PM, BEERN19 said:

Advice on how to resign as a CNA? I plan to give them well over two weeks notice so I don't burn any bridges but I have a feeling my director won't take it too well.

I don't understand why I feel guilty.

Good job making a decision and choice.

One small piece of advice as you begin your RN career is to be pleasantly assertive, make good/prudent decisions and choices, and then let others take responsibility for their own feelings. You don't control others' feelings and you can't take responsibility for them especially when you have conducted yourself in a pleasant, appropriate, professional manner.

There is nothing to feel guilty about when you haven't done anything wrong--someone else's possible disappointment is not a reason to feel guilty. This NM's possible feelings about your resignation deserve neither your consideration nor your concern.

Think about all of this and sort of carry it in your back pocket so that you can approach your new career purposefully and avoid being emotionally jerked around by others. ??

Good luck!

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"Thank you so much for having me here as a CNA. Although working here has been great, I was offered a position to work as an RN. I would love to one day come back here and work as an RN."

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