2014 Wage Survey For CNAs, Medical Assistants, HHAs, PCTs: Post Here!
Sadly, far too many allied healthcare workers are not always paid what they are worth. Knowledge is power, so wage surveys have the capability to empower workers by generating immensely helpful information about pay rates.
Nursing StudentsCNA/MAArticle
Money is integral to our quality of life. Sorry, but a fake smile is not going to keep a roof over our heads, a pat on the back will not pay the past due electric bill, and a hug isn't going keep us fed and clothed. We all want, need and love to be compensated appropriately for the very important work that we do. Unofficial wage surveys are tremendously helpful because:
They empower workers by providing information on the wages that our peers earn.
They address aspects that strongly impact wages such as geographic differences, specialties, and cost of living.
They allow people from around the country to disclose their earnings with a certain measure of anonymity. This is useful because many workplaces have policies and procedures that disallow any public discussion regarding pay rates, so respondents are more likely to disclose what they earn if they feel they will not be reprimanded for doing so.
The millions of hard-working people across the country who belong to the allied healthcare community have recently ushered in another new year that is filled with a mixture of boundless potential, endless possibilities and anxious uncertainties. Nurses aides, medical assistants, patient care technicians, home health aides, and other types of unlicensed assistive personnel are extremely important to the flawless functioning of our healthcare system and to society as a whole.
Unfortunately, too many allied healthcare workers are not always paid wages that correspond with their high levels of motivation, professionalism, dedication, thoroughness, multi-tasking capabilities and years of experience. In fact, it might be shocking to discover that some of our peers are not earning a great deal more than the federal minimum wage threshold.
If we think about the topic of pay for too long, we might become disillusioned at the realization that the gum-popping cashier at the McDonald's fast food joint earns about the same hourly rate as CNAs in many cities and towns.
Many people who deny the importance of wages are simply being dishonest with themselves. Salary is a major factor for the majority of people who figuratively bust their butts and put in exhausting days at work. And even though an allied healthcare worker might take great pride in the work she performs on a day to day basis, she probably would not keep reporting to the workplace if her boss made the following announcement out of the blue:
"We are regretfully informing you that the company is no longer issuing pay checks to any employees starting today. From now on, the company will compensate all employees with thumbs up, hugs, warmth, smiles, pats on the back, cookies, platitudes, and recognition for doing an outstanding job."
Members who want to contribute to the unofficial wage survey for 2014 should feel free to post their answers with the information in the following order
What is your job title (CNA, medical assistant, medication aide, HHA, PCT, PCA)?
Where are you located?
What is your hourly wage?
Are you paid shift differentials?
What shift(s) do you usually work?
What is your current specialty (rehab, med/surg, ortho, doctors' office, clinic, long term care, psych, home health, hospice, etc.)?
How many years of experience do you have?
What is your status (full-time, part-time, or casual / per diem / PRN)?
Are you a pursuing a career as a nurse (RN or LPN)?
