I work for a large multi-specialty clinic w/ 12 doctors, 9 PA's/NP's and 30+ nurses. All of the nurses are CMA's w/ the exception of the two nurse managers who are RNs. At the beginning of the year we received a company-wide email stating that due to the new health care reform we may not be getting raises this year and that we would be notified of the decision in the coming months. A few weeks ago another email came out stating basically the same dribble, that raises are uncertain and will be determined at a later date. I am well aware how the new reform could potentially hurt the clinics profits, but this is what really bites my butt...
Over the past year and a half the clinic has undergone reconstruction/remodeling. Mostly just redecorating in my opinion since we only gained and extra 6 exam rooms per floor. Butt gosh the place sure looks purty. We were given a beautiful break room w/ windows and a computer w/ printer for leisure purposes. I guess we should consider this our bonus? I got friendly w/ the foreman's assistant and discovered to my horror that all of this "necessary" remodeling has racked up to a hefty 2+ million dollars. This would include hiring the attractive decorator who walked around w/ the maintenance man who watched him hang obscenely expensive art on the walls for three days, and a gorgeous but also obscenely expensive couch that sits uselessly outside the elevator lobby.
During lunch the break room conversations is almost always focused on how the nursing staff is disgusted that we will, in all likelihood, not be getting raises. In the mean time the doctors and other providers have already received their quarterly bonuses and there is rumor that we will be hiring two new specialists (cardiologist and GI). It's obvious that the clinic is NOT strapped for cash. When the nurses try to wrangle me in to one of theses conversations I state what I have stated from the beginning. Strike. This word brings fear to thier hearts and understandably so. We do not have a union, though I have encouraged time and time again that we need to form one (for reasons beyond the threat of not getting a raise). Our biggest problem is that we are totally replaceable. For every insulted nurse who tries to rage against the system, there are 8 unemployed nurses jockeying for position to take our job, and the company knows this. I do want to fight. I want to stand up and defend my fellow co-workers (receptionists and coders included) but unfortunately, NO ONE will stand beside me. Seems like everyone would rather take the abuse than take a stand. And if I were to lead the charge then I would be instantly fired (they'd find a reason) and made an example for others who might find a speck of courage or pride.
I dunno...I guess I'll just do what the other girls are doing and start looking for a private practice who will pay me a respectful wage. In the mean time though, my colleagues are showing the powers-that-be that they will be the lemmings they want them to be. Is there ANY way I can encourage the nursing staff to be bold or is it a useless cause? I'd love advice from a seasoned veteran who's been in this type of situation.
I am always so disheartened to hear nurses say, basically, shut-up and take what your employers dish out because you're lucky to have a job. I agree, those of us who are currently employed are lucky to have jobs in this economy (we are also highly skilled, experienced, and marketable), but does that mean we have to throw out fifty-plus years of professional advancement in nursing? Must we grovel at the feet of our empoyers as they use the economy as a guise to strip away benefits, reduce staffing levels, and endanger patients?
The other posters may be correct, however, now is not the time risk losing your job. But, it is not the time to lie down cowering in fear of the system either. Get mad. Just keep your cool, and remember how you were treated when your employer had the upper hand. The economy is cyclical. In a few years, you will have the advantage. Then, remind them of how you were treated by making your proposals from a position of strength.
Finally, this post is really directed toward my nurse colleagues. While I understand the OP's position, CMAs are not nurses.
I wish we had a goodlooking break room. Our break room is the old janitor's closet. We have an old plastic table that is supported by 2 books, 5 plastics chairs, a fridge that rattles, and our microwave is on top of that because there is no room.
The other night as I was eating my Lean Cuisine at 2AM, A cockroach ran across the floor.
I see cockroaches run across the hall in patient care areas during my shift more times than not.
"I am always so disheartened to hear nurses say, basically, shut-up and take what your employers dish out because you're lucky to have a job. I agree, those of us who are currently employed are lucky to have jobs in this economy (we are also highly skilled, experienced, and marketable), but does that mean we have to throw out fifty-plus years of professional advancement in nursing? Must we grovel at the feet of our empoyers as they use the economy as a guise to strip away benefits, reduce staffing levels, and endanger patients."
LifetimeRN, I believe you're missing the point that the OP is NOT a nurse and therefore any nursing history that has disheartened you is not applicable.
Your post reminded me of our local hospital. There is something in the local paper every week almost giving the hospital's tale of woe. They're so broke, they have so much charity care, blah blah blah. Then, they decided to buy a high class cabin and convert it to a new urgent care center. They paid around a million for the house and who knows how much they spent doubling its size and converting it to a clinic.
Also, the wife of a close friend of my husband works there in the office. The details on her job title are fuzzy to me but I thinks she works with the admin. Last month, she recieved a THIRTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLAR RAISE. Raising her pay to $95,000. Her husband told my husband the other day that in July, she will be getting another raise of $10,000, raising her pay to $115K. Whatever she does, she must do one heck of a good job.....
"I am always so disheartened to hear nurses say, basically, shut-up and take what your employers dish out because you're lucky to have a job. I agree, those of us who are currently employed are lucky to have jobs in this economy (we are also highly skilled, experienced, and marketable), but does that mean we have to throw out fifty-plus years of professional advancement in nursing? Must we grovel at the feet of our empoyers as they use the economy as a guise to strip away benefits, reduce staffing levels, and endanger patients."
LifetimeRN, I believe you're missing the point that the OP is NOT a nurse and therefore any nursing history that has disheartened you is not applicable.
The point that the OP is not a nurse is well taken, but I hear the same sentiments from nurses all the time.
Specializes in Med Office, Home Health, School Nurse.
Be darn thankful that you have a job and a nice breakroom to take your breaks in (even considering that you aren't a nurse but you call yourself one, and that's illegal). You obviously have no idea of the practice's financial decisions and you shouldn't because you aren't a doctor or a contributor. I would much rather have a paycheck with no raise on it than no paycheck at all. But go ahead and raise a ruckus....they will get rid of you quickly if you do. Then you won't have to worry about where their money is going, because it definitely won't be going to pay your paycheck!
The more expensive and well-kept the place looks, the more costumers you attract.
If you're honest with yourself, if you need a procedure done, wouldn't you rather prefer the neat, more organized welcoming place rather than the drab, cheap, untidy-looking, did I mention cheap place?
You give out more to get more. It is only a practical business sense.
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lifetimern
42 Posts
I am always so disheartened to hear nurses say, basically, shut-up and take what your employers dish out because you're lucky to have a job. I agree, those of us who are currently employed are lucky to have jobs in this economy (we are also highly skilled, experienced, and marketable), but does that mean we have to throw out fifty-plus years of professional advancement in nursing? Must we grovel at the feet of our empoyers as they use the economy as a guise to strip away benefits, reduce staffing levels, and endanger patients?
The other posters may be correct, however, now is not the time risk losing your job. But, it is not the time to lie down cowering in fear of the system either. Get mad. Just keep your cool, and remember how you were treated when your employer had the upper hand. The economy is cyclical. In a few years, you will have the advantage. Then, remind them of how you were treated by making your proposals from a position of strength.
Finally, this post is really directed toward my nurse colleagues. While I understand the OP's position, CMAs are not nurses.