Talk down to no one...please!

[Mr Sacdiff]

This may be more of a rant or maybe a suggestion or a reminder, but hopefully it doesn't offend.

I am currently a CNA working full time+, going to nursing school, and raising 3 children. In my past life I managed very large construction projects in the commercial HVAC and plumbing industry. Shortly after the housing market plummeted, so did the commercial market, so here I am switching careers in my 30's. I was devastated when I was first laid off, but looking back now it's the best thing that could have happened. I'll soon have my RN and I love the healthcare field.

Here is my issue. So many nurses, mostly new nurses have such swelled egos. I get it. You just finished nursing school. You should be proud. Unfortunately, after trying to help new nurses at work, I've found that they become argumentative and exclaim, "I went to nursing school, I should know!". Now, I'm not telling them how to do their job. It's usually just reminding them to wear proper PPE per our hospital policy. I'm not nasty. I'm just looking out for them, because I know they are new.

The other issue I have is that some of them tell me that I won't make it and that it will be the hardest thing I've ever done. Some of this has to do with the fact that I have a pituitary tumor (not life-threatening) and look like I'm fresh out of high school! Listen. I'm not discrediting anyone here, but nursing school is not close to the hardest thing I've done and I believe before anyone tells someone that, they need to realize that not everyone had an easy upbringing. I won't go into detail, but I've been through enough that there is no schooling that will scare me. Now, I don't mind if they tell me it will be tough and are being helpful and offering assistance. It's just the nurses that tell me that I cannot do it and act as though I am beneath them. I'm old enough (technically) to be a father to a few of them haha.

Anway, I think my point is that anyone working in the medical field has a lot to be proud of, but this world does not move without every single person doing their part. You should thank your housekeeper, your garbage man, your plumber, and whomever else makes life easier for you. I respect everyone who wears blue (or whatever color your job makes you wear), I'm just looking for a little in return.

[tammie1470]

Nicely said! I believe we are a team and we need to work as a team. You will be a better nurse from being in the position you are now. We have surgeons that started out as orderlies and they seem more considerate and thankful to other staff. Good luck!!

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

The difference between a good and bad night often came down to how awesome your CNA is. I at least heard out their advice and would acknowledge or educate when appropriate. No reason to bite that hand the feeds you ( or helps you for this matter )

[sdl11b]

I agree! I don't think you will ever get rid of the people with the egoes. I guess that is just the way some people are!

[Fire Bird]

In the ER, I could not do anything efficiently without each teammember including: CNAs, transporters, MRs, Room cleaners. Each person is vital to the team.

[TheGooch]

Well, you can respectfully disagree but the nursing schools where I live will not admit you unless you complete the CNA course which includes clinicals as a CNA student. Might not be 6 months as I suggested but they get a "feel" as to what it means to be a CNA.

Most PA school require some hours of hands on work in the medical field before they will admit you to their programs. They also require an essay as to why they want to be a PA. Too bad nursing school wasn't the same way.

[ckm2]

Stay the course. report to your manager behaviors that are bullying if she doesnt do any thing look for another job where you are appreciated. There are ALOT of miserable people in healthcare that you can not fix.

Look up read Malcom Bladwell which is required reading for most MBA programs. After the tippiong pt he wrote a book called Blink

which was evidenced based research that folks who did things with frequency always out did the scholars with out practice.

Look up quote from Eleanor Roosevelt "you have to give your permission for someone to offend you she said it much better

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Many congrats on your journey!!

Construction is a hard gig. That you made it work for you for so long even more difficult.

Sometimes, newer nurses are jumpy, and can perceive things as threats where none is intended. Unfortunetely, they are usually still on probation, know that there's a boatload of other newly licensed RN's that can and would take their position in a hot minute, so they can be sensitive and overwhelmed. Not just newer nurses, but us old bats too--only we are of the thought process that respect begets respect. And the newer nurses will get that--once they settle into their new role. Life experience brings a lot to the table.

I would, however, start networking sooner rather than later. Look around the facility that you are in. See where you may want to be. Make an appointment and speak to the NM. Talk about your goals. So when the time comes that you need to apply for an RN position, you are already on the radar.

Best wishes in your endevours!!

[PD82]

I would reply "Awww, is that what people told you when you were in nursing school? I feel bad for you." And walk away.

They are just being bullies and were probably bullied in childhood/nursing school/clinicals. Do not let anyone get you down. I too am in nursing school, in my 30's and with two kids ages 13 and 2.

Let those mean nurses remind you of how you WILL NOT be when you are a nurse. That environment/floor you are in is toxic, and I have worked at places like that before. The nurses were so mean to the new tech's. I switched facilities and I love it!!

Hold your head up and just remember it is their personal issue, not yours. Your gonna be great!! :)