I have worked at the same facility since August of last year in the capacity of a tech (pca III) while in school. I recently became licensed as an RN and went straight to work in that same facility.
Last pay period, I worked 1 week as a tech, had the weekend off, then came back on Monday as an RN and did my 40. When I got my check, ALL of it was at the tech rate. Went to HR for a resolution, was told that corporate needs to approve my new wage and it may take up to 3 pay periods (6wks.).
Now here's the funny part--the recruiter was all excited when she told me this--*BUT* you'll get it all (what they owe me--hours worked x diff between old and new wage) in a LUMP SUM!
Oh sure lady, that may sound real nice to every other 22 year old guy getting a nice raise, but NO. I am going to get SLAYED on the taxes accrued on that check.
I feel like my wage should have been changed and begun accruing at hour ONE of my work as an RN and should have been so reflected on my last check.
What to do? Thinking about labor board, corporate compliance, etc. I am ****** and I would hate to have to go bench press everyone on mahogany row to get my money. Trying to keep my cool and my job.
While I can see the OPs point of view, complaining about $13 an hour does not seem likely to gain much empathy from any licensed nurse who has worked for $13 an hour and from those CNA/PCTs who have never seen more than $9 an hour. It is nice to have a job.
Personally, for the sake of having a job in an ICU, I'd suck it up. I would, however, write a letter complete with copies of all pertinent paystubs and your offer letter that you received when you were hired, showing how much you were to be paid, and mail it certified mail to HR. Inform them that you're still being paid a CNA wage, and that you just want to be sure that everything's in the computer correctly so that you're covered by the hospital's malpractice insurance. Explain that you're looking out for the well being of everyone involved.
Then remind them that you were told that X date was the date that you'd receive back pay for your position change and that you're still being compensated incorrectly. Say that you're sure there was just a small oversight, but that you want to get everything taken care of quickly so that it doesn't fall through the cracks.
Thank them for their anticipated assistance in the matter, provide contact information, and tell them you hope to hear from them soon with news on a resolution to the problems.
I'm shocked at the number of posters saying to "suck it up" "deal with it" "be happy to have a job" etc....
OP, you are SO GETTING SCREWED!!! You deserve your RN pay as of your first shift!
I've stated before and I will again. I'm pretty union neutral (I'm now in one for the first time ever as a nurse), but in this case, it's where a union would not put up with this crap!
I was shorted 0.5 hours of OT on a pay period. Called timekeeping, told them the error, they fixed it no problem, got it on my next pay.
This woud NEVER HAPPEN with a union. Or if it did, it would last exactly ONE pay period before it was fixed with all back pay. The person would not have to worry one iota about their job for speaking up about not getting the correct pay rate.
I feel for you OP and I hope it gets worked out soon! You worked hard for your RN and you DESERVE and have THE RIGHT to your correct pay.
I would totally be upset and it should be addressed. It's the manner in which you address it. Most states have to pay overtime within a "reasonable" period, so it depends on how the state defines reasonable. They all differ. But, it should be pointed out, nicely, to HR, that your current title does not cover the work you are doing. How it would put the hospital in a bad light if ANY chart that you are charting on comes into question (for whomever, not just you) your status with the hospital is only what is listed on record. "If it's not charted, it didn't happen" same with HR records. Any lawyer would pick it apart very quickly. "Why was she doing this, if it was not within her job description?" You are trying to save the hospital from being liable. Once the title is changed (and retroed) they have to fix the pay rate as well. Hope that makes sense - I type like I think : )
OP, I agree that you are kinda getting screwed. Be vigilant and careful in your response. While you don't want to burn any bridges, you must also be aware that whatever you decide to do about this will likely set the precedent for what they can expect you to roll over and take. Be careful not to set the standard for future abuses. I wish you luck.
Totally agree that he's getting screwed. But what price is he willing to pay to get it fixed. They've said they'll fix it,with backpay. Now or later, he'll get the money. Go somewhere else, he's going to have other things to worry about. Quite honestly, for a new grad in this job market, some things you do have to suck it up and take it. If he doesn't mind only being able to get a job at the nursing home or on a med/surg floor or at the local Waffle House, he can be as obnoxious as he wants to be. If he wants to keep THIS job, which in this environment, as a new grad, he IS LUCKY to have, then he needs to be more tactful about it.
Technically, you are not getting slayed on taxes on that check...on the surface, it only appears that way.
Let's say you worked a ton of overtime, your paycheck would be higher than usual, therefore, with more pay, the dollar amount that is taken out appears to be more but if you got out a calculator and figured out the percentage, it will be roughly the same, give or take a percent.
Thanks for all of the great replies everyone! Seeing some replies reaffirm my stance on the subject, others help to humble me! Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking your time to read through this thread and share your $0.02 with me.
Still no resolution however!
While I can see the OPs point of view, complaining about $13 an hour does not seem likely to gain much empathy from any licensed nurse who has worked for $13 an hour and from those CNA/PCTs who have never seen more than $9 an hour. It is nice to have a job.
This is 2010. RNs don't make $13/hr anymore. As for my wage as a PCT, not only did I fulfill CNA duties, but I was able to initiate OGTs (yes, even w/ an ETT in place), NGTs, foley catheters, IVs (18-24G + TwinCaths -- couldn't access anyone under 10y/o per policy & no EJs!), I was part of the rapid response team, code team, EKG recognition (spent many an hour in the telemetry room after a nursing supervisor figured out that I had the required competencies!), and I could access art lines!
Not your avg. CNA/PCT...just sayin' -- maybe the extra dollars were justified? Who knows, who cares, I'm an RN now :)
Much love to you guys, and thanks again. :redbeathe
caliotter3
38,333 Posts
While I can see the OPs point of view, complaining about $13 an hour does not seem likely to gain much empathy from any licensed nurse who has worked for $13 an hour and from those CNA/PCTs who have never seen more than $9 an hour. It is nice to have a job.