Cut in charge differential

[Nurse Ratched, RN]

About 2 years ago, standard charge diff was 10% of whatever your base pay was and there was no distinction between regular charge nurses and relief charge nurses - everyone got 10%.

Then the ever-popular "market adjustment" happened, and it was changed to $2/hr for relief charge, and fulltime charge nurses received a market adjustment of their base salary, so they get a higher base rate all the time, and no diff. Some nurses lost money on the deal because they were not designated regular charge nurses, so didn't get the market adjustment on their base, AND they were making well over $20/hour, so the new $2/hr for relief charge was less than the 10% the were making previously.

With me so far?

This week, we were advised that charge diff for relief was decreased to $1.25/hour, supposedly because of inequities of the previous adjustment to a few nurses (so rather than raise theirs, everyone else's was lowered.)

I find this an underhanded tactic that also pits staff against each other by creating tiers. While I was not one of the nurses who took a cut the first go-round, I thought the treatment to the few nurses (mostly those who were very experienced and at the tops of their pay scales as a result of their longevity) was shameful. At least a union would prevent this kind of arbitrary nonsense. Thank goodness I'm not there fulltime. I can assure you that $10/shift (pre-tax) is not worth the extra hassle and resposibility of being charge.

Another straw on the camel's back. If I didn't actually like my work there, and the people I'm currently working with, I'd be gone.

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

Sux, doesn't it?

Consider THIS... we no longer even GET charge pay... period.

That was taken away well over a year ago. :stone

[babynurselsa, RN]

I don't think anywhere that I work it has been more than a dollar an hour.

I remember doing an agency shift at a hospital in Ca. and the charge there got nothing. Fortunately for her she saw it as such an honor she didn't mind that she was not monetarily reimbursed.

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

I get $1.00/ hr extra for being in charge. Thats it ! It sux ! I take on an awful lot of responsibility for that lousy buck!

[amnesia]

only $1.00/hr here! It's just not right!

[zacarias, ASN, RN]

I think all charges should get an equal differential. Like Ratched said, the tiered approach to the charge role leads to staff fighting.

[Thunderwolf, MSN, RN]

I feel your frustration. Where I work, the RN's rotate charge, along with still having their assignment. No diff...of course, since the burden is shared. But, it is very frustating none of the less being responsible organizing the WHOLE floor (staffing, admits, discharges, coordinating surgeries, fronting doc calls) on top of your OWN assignment and duties. Sometimes, it gets pretty rough. There is movement to have a permanent Charge or Coordinator, but diff has not even been mentioned for that position. I hope the person who gets the position does get the comp for it. As of yet, I don't see too many people jumping for the position. Wonder why?...well, it's no wonder. But yes, I feel your frustration.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Charge pay is a joke where I am too----hardly worth the headache, so if it's between another nurse and me, I am HAPPY TO defer to her that duty.

It really stinks, Ratched. You are worth a LOT More.