Does how much money we make and benefits really matter

[clarinets, CNA]

....or am I dreaming? The question is pretty self explanatory. As an example, just the other day, I had a co-worker refuse a request from a resident and the director, to take on that resident and give her a shower that morning. Instead of listening to the med-tech from the previous shift, and the rest of the staff, that she was being asked to take on another resident, she complained about having two showers and her load that morning. She said it is my responsibility for that resident and I had to deal with it. To top it off I had a coworker, (who was my partner on the floor) come in late without notifying the rest of the community. Therefore we were short staffed, I had 6 showers because we were not sure my partner was to arrive at that time.

She knew I needed the help, but seemed to care less. The other caregiver was standing there. Eventually nothing came about and I just went and did the shower, because Iwas so frustrated. I told them I have never showered this resident. The resident knew that as well, and was upset when I told her that the person she requested refused to give her a shower. Eventually push came to shove because call lights were going off like mad. That one caregiver who refused to shower and help me out, kept calling on the walkie, that I have calls going off and wondering why I was not there. I told her I was giving that one shower. Eventually, the third caregiver came down to help. Finally..the fourth caregiver showed up an hour late.

This job paid $10.00 an hour with decent benefits. I have been in jobs that paid more and for some reason they were more willing. Is it me, or not.. I hope it is me..:)

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I really don't understand the question - sorry. What do salary and benefits have to do with your co-worker not giving a resident a shower?

[clarinets, CNA]

That was an example of what unfortunately happened the other day. If the salary was higher and the benefits were better, would the caregiver taken on that request from the director and resident.. Or does it really matter...

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Salary and benefits matter... I need to pay my bills and I need good health insurance. But they don't matter in the scenario you've posted. If you have accepted a job, you do the job, regardless of whether you feel you are underpaid.

[clarinets, CNA]

I agree totally. In jobs that where more money was made and better benefits, they did and put more effort in their jobs and took more initiative. Where I work now, it is scarce. Quiet at meetings, and examples like above. I am trying to take initiative to do things, but even trying to not drag myself down. I love some hype in my job....:)

[clarinets, CNA]

Let me put it this way... The more money/benefits they have, the better they do their job, the more initiative they take and they will listen to their managers. The less, the exact opposite. Is this True?

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

I have been working since the minimum wage was $3.85 an hour, and I thought I had hit the jackpot when the minimum wage got raised to $4.25! In my opinion and experience, work ethic rather than the hourly wage is what makes the difference. Only a few years ago as a SAHM, I would do seasonal retail at minimum wage to make some extra Christmas money, and I saw it then, too. I've also seen laziness from people making nearly $100k per year in my previous profession.

[BostonRN13]

What are you talking about?

[clarinets, CNA]

Sorry for the confusing example..

To sum it up...Do workers that get paid less with less benefits have a tendency to have worse work ethic, willing to do and help others less? Whereas those who make more with better benefits are the opposite.

The co-worker at the place I work did:

1) Refuse a request from the boss and dump it on me knowing that we were already short in particularly near my area.

2) Did not let me ask her for help nor offer to help me out... Just a thought...thanks

[JBudd, MSN]

It is possible that the place that pays more etc., is able to attract and keep better employees; but you can get lazy and incompetent workers any where. It is up to management to ensure that people are doing their jobs well.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Let me put it this way... The more money/benefits they have, the better they do their job, the more initiative they take and they will listen to their managers. The less, the exact opposite. Is this True?

In many cases, management gets what they pay for.

I work at a specialty hospital with a wage grid that is not competitive. In other words, the wages paid to hourly staff could be better. It should come as no surprise that our employee turnover rate is high because people move on to other facilities where they'll be paid several more dollars per hour.

At my workplace, management is getting what they paid for. Since they're unwilling to pay competitive rates, they cannot keep quality staff for terribly long.

[clarinets, CNA]

Less initiative from staff? Less help too?