Dermatology office pays $13/hour

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i had an interview at a dermatology clinic. according to the doctor at the office, he wants to hire ma but also he wants somebody who can give anesthetic injections for a biopsy and that's why he is looking for an rn. the pay is $13/hour. he said that the reason why the pay is only $13/hour is that other than giving anesthetic injections, the job can be done by ma. i am an rn but never worked at dermatology office and have been interested in working at a derma office. my concern is that i live in ca and it takes 80 minutes (one way, about 40 miles) to get there and need to use much gas. do you think it would still be a good idea to work there if you want to get your feet wet?

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Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

He needs an RN but wants to pay you as though you were an MA? Sorry -- there's no way I would work for someone with that attitude. If he needs an RN, he needs to pay you as an RN. Now, if he wanted to make the position very part time and have an RN who only gave those injections that couldn't be given by an MA, but at an hourly rate that's appropriate for an RN, I'd be fine with that, but that's not what he's proposing.

You don't need to "get your feet wet" that badly. Keep looking!

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the doctor hires only 2 people ---his receptionist and an rn who he wants to pay as though the rn were an ma who can give an anesthetic injection. currently there is an rn working in his office who will quit soon and the doctor wants a replacement. maybe the rn gets paid the similar amount/hr?

maybe i should keep looking.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

I made $13/hr as a CNA..that pay seems way too low for a nurse. I think the Dr. is using the "economy is bad, so I as the employer have the upper hand" card to his advantage. I could see maybe $19..but $13? Wow..

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Let the doc know why you are going to keep looking. He should value your RN expertise no matter what he has you doing - RN or MA work. You are versatile and capable and won't feel good about accepting $13/hour.

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I'm an LPN working for a dermatology practice, and make less than that! I'm a newer nurse though and that's why. When I got hired, the office manager said they would only pay me entry level pay. It's definitely a good way to "get y our feet wet". I've learned a lot since being there. Hoping to get a raise in the next few months though!

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Specializes in pediatrics, public health.
the doctor hires only 2 people ---his receptionist and an rn who he wants to pay as though the rn were an ma who can give an anesthetic injection. currently there is an rn working in his office who will quit soon and the doctor wants a replacement. maybe the rn gets paid the similar amount/hr?

maybe i should keep looking.

yeah, well i'd like to continue living in my 2 bedroom apartment but pay my landlord as though it's a studio, but that doesn't mean my landlord should let me!

if the doctor wants an rn, he needs to pay an rn. if he wants an ma, he can hire an ma. he could give the anesthetic injections himself, or hire a very part time rn. there's nothing stopping him but his own stinginess.

definitely keep looking!

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Don't do it!

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Specializes in nursing education.

My starting pay as an RN was $13.50.

That was in 1995.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.
I'm an LPN working for a dermatology practice, and make less than that! I'm a newer nurse though and that's why. When I got hired, the office manager said they would only pay me entry level pay. It's definitely a good way to "get y our feet wet". I've learned a lot since being there. Hoping to get a raise in the next few months though!

Entry level pay for a new nurse, even in the less expensive parts of the US, is NOT 13 dollars an hour! The OP should not take this job, and you should look for a new one! Entry level salary in my part of the country is at least 20/h for an LPN.

I'm guessing you don't have a family to support. There is no way I could take care of my kids and pay off my loans at 10 bucks an hour. Hell, I was crying when I thought I was going to have to accept a job for 23/h.

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Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.
do you think it would still be a good idea to work there if you want to get your feet wet?

no, no way, and heck no.

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Considering the cost of living in California, no, I would not take that.

See if the Doctor would be willing to offer a higher salary- I have heard of nurses on allnurses who were offered salaries like this ($11/hr), and when they refused and named a higher price the manager agreed to a higher price.

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