Exploitation

[runningwoman]

I have been working as an LVN at a Doctor's office for a year and can count on ONE HAND how many times I have gotten a 10-15 minute break. Mind you, this is an outpatient facility and the staff consist of Medical Assistants and other LVns. Our manager is NOT a nurse and has NO DEGREE in healthcare. She does have 20 years of experience as an EMT. I already think this is RIDICULOUS as the training here is basically feeding new grads to the sharks. I have recently passed the nclex RN but am still getting the wage of an LVN. I asked my "manager" when I would be compensated and she said when the "higher up's" approve of it. It has already been a month. I'm tired of this ********. I feel that because the economy is bad I am getting paid less because jobs are harder to find and it makes me SICK. What should I do???

[netglow, ASN, RN]

I might also add that if this is a physician owned practice vs a corporate one, there are really no rules. He/she Doc will pay what they feel like paying. You would have no recourse at all, except finding another job. Shocking to you though it must be, a practice is more like the little shop downtown than you think. Remember, not all docs care if people talk about how cheap/unprofessional they are. I hate to do it but I am going to make a sweeping statement many docs will try and get you do do absolutely everything. Scope of practice? what's that. Then... the ones that actually hire someone to deal with "the office crap" DO NOT WANT TO PARTICIPATE AT ALL in any aspect of "the office crap" ever again. Yes, the whole place could be going up in flames and they don't want to know, because they truly believe that it is not their problem anymore.

[Scarlette Wings]

the legal part was probably deleted by the moderator to prevent further legal advice.

happy2learn, i am sure you are right but somehow they have edited it in such a way that confusion reigns! lol.

[belgarion]

When I was in management we asked one question when making a change to a position. The change could be raising the pay scale, eliminating positions, or adding duties to the job description. The question was, "What has changed about the job that justifies making a change?"

Unless the employer has added RN type duties just because the OP has the license, then it is still an LVN position and they have no obligation to make a change, even if emotionally, it seems like the right thing to do. As many people have stated on many different threads, common business practices have have invaded health care. Out in the "real world", this question wouldn't even be an issue.

[nursel56]

Then... the ones that actually hire someone to deal with "the office crap" DO NOT WANT TO PARTICIPATE AT ALL in any aspect of "the office crap" ever again. Yes, the whole place could be going up in flames and they don't want to know, because they truly believe that it is not their problem anymore.

I've seem some really unbelievable comments coming from mediical students (I read a lot of blogs). Just recently one of them said, as he was explaining how he will not be accepting Medicaid patients that "sure it will be hard to turn people away but that's what my office staff is (will be) for". I just may have violated the allnurses terms of service with my response, so it's a good thing I wasn't on allnurses at the time.

[Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN]

IN most all area's DOCTOR'S OFFICES can hire, promote and staff as the DOCTOR wants to and remains responsible for - it might be sucky, but it is reality. Acknowledge reality and use it to your benefit - or it will always work against you.

I'm sorry that you are having the issues you are having - but, it is what it is.

Were you promised an RN role and RN pay or some type or promotion in this position??? If not - I think you are heading for a bad outcome with this employer.

There is a good chance that the MD has his/her office staffed the way they want to and may only be willing to pay at a certain level regardless of the staffers "titles".

I get your issue with the EMT manager - but, re-read the 1st paragraph I wrote. MD office's staff can vary - few rules exist. A "no degree, only a 20 year EMT" manager being besieged by a new RN that had been given job with us while she finished school is very likely not to be recognized as the degreed licensed professional she is quick to point out that she NOW possesses.

I say look for a job, or buck up and do the one you have well - and DO NOT become unbearable to work with and burn the bridge there that you may need for a reference. You already let your position be known - I'm just concerned that if you continue in the manner you have been going - it may have your departing under less than happy terms. And then that will make all your hard work worthless in the "RN job hunt game" when the reference rears it's head. IT is a tough job market and some employers are "reluctant" to take on an employee that was "problematic" (not that you are- but perception is everything and I do not want you to doom yourself) at their last job.

I get the wanting to be recognized and paid accordingly as the highest ranking licensed healthcare staffer there (now that you are a newly minted RN) - from the tone of your post, it seems that the RN is "above" the LVN/LPN and the EMT manager. When we are frustrated we don't communicate well and can become very narrow and in-flexible in our position. I encourage you to stop and consider your situation.

Can you afford to be unemployed? If not, gonna have to make some tough decisions and adjust your expectations accordingly.

I'm not trying to be mean - I just don't want to see you get your RN career off in the wrong direction. It is tough to overcome what may surely become wicked reference unless something changes in your approach pronto.

And - as for the issue of "no break" - I do not think that is your big point of contention. But, if it is - depending on the employment laws and the agreement (if any) you are hired under - you have the right to exhaust that issue and demand compensation or whatever (comp time, etc). Just be aware that too much strife - can just be too much.

Good luck - whatever you decide and however you work it.

Practice SAFE!

[nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN]

Keep in mind, nursing is a very small world. You fuss that you worked for a EMT with 20 years experience -- honey, that person has more knowledge in their little finger than you've got in your entire body. Learn everything you can from those with more experience, regardless of the initials on their tag. And for all you know, the hiring manager you will interview with for a new job may have started out life as an EMT, and you've just dismissed her clinical skills and experience. Not good.

When you go for a new job, spin it that you're up for additional challenges, new experiences, etc. If you came in telling me that you never got a break, and you didn't like your boss, and you felt exploited, and so forth, you're not telling me how badly I want to hire you, you're telling me how badly I don't want to hire you.

[Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN]

Be thankful you have employment. There are many new graduates who would kill to be in your position. As an RN I am sure you will find something else in time, but in the meanwhile you're gaining experience as an RN

[Fribblet]

Suck it up or get a new job.

You're not being exploited, but you are acting entitled.

[scoochy]

I'm guessing it (the legal part) got edited out. I was confused, too.

The thread was updated by Sharrie (must be a moderator); it is in small print.