Transitioning Role

Up2nogood RN, RN · Dec 17, 2009

I was a CNA also on the unit where I'm now an RN. I don't know what advice I can give as my transition went smoothly. I would be firm but kind with the CNA that is acting out, and she'll get over it. I do help out the CNA's when I can ie, I&O's, chemsticks, if I'm in the room for meds or something I'll just do everything so that way they won't be woken up by the CNA coming in like 10 minutes later. Good luck, wishing you success in your new role!

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 17, 2009

has anyone else transitioned in their roles like this? how did you handle it?

i was a hard working tech with a good rep amongst the nurses management too!! i also was a good student nurse throughout school though i never discussed my grades. plus, like you i always respected my co-workers and always treated people well. however, despite this i had a lot of problems with techs when i became a nurse.

when i first started i had a few techs run to our charge nurse and don with lies. they collectively told them i barked orders at them and would never clean up a patient. note, i spent my first several months knee deep in poo and always cleaned my patients by myself because i did not want to ask for help! i figured, the techs were busy!!! not to mention that my poor delegation skills caused me to get chewed out more often then i care to recall and i had to remain late after the end of shift to resolve paper work and other matters. fyi, mangers do not like to pay overtime! therefore, you can imagine how shocked i was by the lies!

after i got over my shock, i got angry!!! i talked to my don and more experienced nurses to receive advice that would help me to be a better nurse and not just a good new grad:

1.) it is “ok” to jump in and help when you can, but it is not “ok” to refuse delegation of tasks because you fear what the techs might think. it is their job to perform tasks that will help you to provide the best patient care. they cannot do many of the nursing tasks that need to get done such as, documentation of assessments, giving meds, calling the docs, coordinating care, or checking on orders...!! therefore we need to put them to work or, as one don said, "we do not need them at all!"

2.) if you work hard and provide excellent patient care, the people that really count will notice. it won’t matter if the techs lie… your actions will speak for you!!! besides, managers always look at the source of information when they receive complaints (this part might sound haughty and harsh... it did to me at first, but it is true! as a new nurse you will be given more credit for your actions and words then a tech)! plus patients know which nurse treated them well and spent time providing care.

3.) be sure to communicate expectations politely and often to your techs and the charge nurses, but do not get caught up in trying to prove yourself to anyone. you won't have the time!!!

4.) insecure, immature, and jealous people see the world as an ugly place to be and do not notice positive behaviors in others. thus, do not waste your time trying to change their minds.

there is more but i cannot recall everything off of the top of my head!!! :yeah:btw, be sure to drop by our first year after nursing licensure forum. https://allnurses.com/first-year-after/

Snickerdoodles · Dec 19, 2009

Thanks you guys for responding. I hope that it all works out ok, I am sure it will. But I just want to have a smooth transition. I dont want to be the nurse who doesnt help but I dont want to be taken advantage of either. I help everyone now, not matter what I am doing but things might be different once I get a "promotion".