Infirmary aide pay rate

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Specializes in home health, developmental disabilities.

Hi everyone!

I am a second semester ADN student interested in an infirmary aide position. It is at a Jewish camp located about a mile from my home. It's not a medical camp, and it serves 2nd grade to 10th grade.

Everything sounds great, especially the commute from my home! It seems like a lot of clerical, housekeeping, etc. not sure how much medical stuff I'm allowed to do because there are 5 RN's and one doctor in duty at all times. However, I am only being offered $10 per hour. 40 hours per week. Is this even right? Never in my life have I made that low of a wage with a CNA license. I have 6 years of experience and also a student. I told them the going rate for cNa is 12+ and the interviewer said he would look into that.

Can any camp nurses or aides give me some insight? I'm located in Massachusetts. Thank you

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

It's not uncommon for camps to pay a lower than prevailing wage for unlicensed positions.

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Specializes in home health, developmental disabilities.

Is that true for RN's as well? I guess maybe I thought that because the tuition is 8k for 9 weeks they might be able to pay a living wage. I'm sure the experience would be invaluable, but I may have to explore other options to provide for my family. Thank you for your input! :)

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

It's often a trade off as the package may include room & board and discounted or free camp for the nurse's children. It sounds like you would be more like a unit secretary than doing CNA tasks which $10/hr is pretty typical for a camp. People really don't work in a camp for the $$$ it's usually the experience kind of a working vacation

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Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

Camp pay is not usually fantastic. Realize you don't usually attach the term living wage to seasonal work. These jobs are ment to be temporary, and not to support families. They usually go to retirees, students, or adventurous folks. I'm honestly surprised they require a CNA certification for the position as our health assistants usually go to someone who doesn't want to work in the kitchen, and isn't grossed out by blood and vomit.

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Specializes in School Nurse.

I agree, they usually take off for room and board. Will you be able to go home at night? That may be a negotiation point.

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