LPN pay in LTC

I would like to know from you nurses that work LTC how your raises are figured. I have been working at the same facility for almost 3 years now. I was hired right after getting licensed. It has come to my attention that my facility now has a 2 tier pay scale. They had to do this to attract nurses to fill vacant positions. What it amounts to is I am on the old payscale and new hires are getting substantially more pay. I'm talking dollars, not change. They are not raising the pay of those who have been there before the new scale. I am limited to 3% per year raise. No cost of living has ever been given out. I guess I don't have to tell you I am more than a little PO'd. Nurses I graduated with who work other facilities have surpassed me in pay. I told one of my bosses I wanted a raise in pay. She laughed! I told her I wasn't kidding, that I was aware of the new payscale and want to be brought up to "speed." I could tell by the look on her face she wasn't happy I knew. She said she would get back with me. The facility is not exactly where I want to spend the rest of my life, but it is the closest to home and serves a purpose for now. But I am willing to leave to make my point (not that they would get it!). Anyway, I appreciate any info or thoughts you have to offer on the matter so I can negotiate.
Todd