Is your facility like this?

unikuelady, RN · May 8, 2007

My hospital has what is called the clinical ladder program. This is where the bedside nurse is rewarded(5% pay raise) for going above and beyond her basic duties. We have 3 levels. There are a prescribed number of things (ie attending staff meetings, inservices, community service projects etc) that need to be done each year to obtain and maintain your clinical ladder status.

These are written out. Check and see if your facility has something similar...if so, then find out just how much you really have to do, and not just because your boss says you need to do it. If you meet the minimum reqirements for maintaining your clinical status-then there should be no reason that your boss can threaten to demote you. At my facility you would qualify for level 3 with just what you written that you already do.

cookielady,rn · May 8, 2007

I work in a small (10 beds) community hospital icu and we're just getting committees started, many don't even meet. The CEO is very nurse unfriendly so magnet isn't gonna happen. Lots of people are told they don't do enough to earn higher raises or get to orient in my unit. People are rude to eachother and sometimes you can't get anyone to get off their fat behinds (or stop eating) to lend you a hand. We're almost always understaffed, don't have equipemnt we need to monitor patients (ie, pulse ox cords, appropriate sized bp cuffs), get chewed out by patients and families who run the hospital instead of the medical staff... it's better out west.

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · May 8, 2007

Yikes, that sounds over the top! We have many committees, but most of us are only on one or two. I head 2 committees and am the charge nurse...that is enough! I'd have to say to them, what else do you want me to do...I'll do it if I have the time AT WORK but I'm not doing it at home. We get to put in for out of staffing time, up to 8 hours per month so we can work on the computers and get stuff done. Most committees meet once a month or quarterly. It sounds really disorganized! I hope it works out and if they keep on you tell them to stick it!

2curlygirls · May 8, 2007

We do have it clearly written and yet I'm still confused. According to one manager, I'm fine. This other one seems to think not.

We are trying to get Magnet status and they're trying to demote people to save money to build a new hospital.

I just feel like I'm in hostile territory at work. And my work is a huge part of my life.

And I really don't want to have to go in on my days off. I have a 1 year old and a 3.5 year old at home. Ahhh, the old career vs. family issue.

llg, PhD, RN · May 8, 2007

Maybe it would be better to take the demotion and get rid of some of the hassles. How much money is involved?

You may simply be at a time in your life at which your need to take care of your family outweighs the need for career advancement. If that's the case, there is nothing wrong with that. Scale back on the job expectations, economize a little to compensate for the reduced income, and enjoy your life. You'll still be keeping your skills current and increasing your seniority with that employer -- both of which may come in handy later. If conditions (at work or in your personal life) change, you'll be in a good position to make the most of the situation.

Good luck to you.

prmenrs, RN · May 8, 2007

It does seem like all of sudden, they're upping the ante. :angryfire Nothing like changing the rules on you! (Been there, done that!) And your family responsibilities are going to continue to increase over the foreseeable future.

I have known a lot of nurses who pull back somewhat from work a fair amount until kids are older and more independent. This might, or might NOT, be what you want to do. Only you can decide.

Can you afford to back off from work? Or do you WANT to keep pushing your career?

IMHO, it's important to take stock right now. Esp. of what you think work is going to do next. Participate in the things that interest YOU. Have you gotten your RNC yet? You could work on that, or on any other certification you're interested in while you're re-assessing the work situation.

Keep in touch--I really feel for you right now.

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · May 11, 2007

If they are going for magnet, they better not be doing any downsizing. The whole magnet journey is a PITA. All kinds of hype, this and that, making people happy, the hospital spending big, big bucks to get this certification and then when you get it...back to the same old crap. Sorry for the rant LOL

I'd tell them that you have many things on your plate. Do what you can or want. We never force or coerce anyone in our unit to be on committees, esp the moms with little kids! I hope it works out for you! Now that you have a young family, work will take the back burner and not be a big part of your life.

rnpilot · May 11, 2007

According to one manager, I'm fine. This other one seems to think not.
We are trying to get Magnet status and they're trying to demote people to save money to build a new hospital.

IMHO, it sounds like your one manager has an agenda. You may have been singled out since you were away on maternity leave and are not married to your job. There may even be some jealousy there. There are institutions that demand 100% devotion. I worked at a University Hospital like that. I had to request a demotion after my second child. I couldn't work nights, take care of an infant and a toddler, as well as have to take work home with me. In the long run, it made no difference in my career. Take care of youself first.