Kaiser Employees

BTW, I am in Colorado, if anyone here works at a Colorado Kaiser, that would be helpful. Thanks!

I worked for Kaiser here in So. Cal for 3 years and am planning on trying to return. I had an opportunity to work as a nurse at a elementary school but with all the changes in Calif's state budget, and schools getting cuts, my opportunities are running out. At the time, Kaiser provided full time benefits with employees who worked 20 hours or more. I couldn't negotiate the start hourly rate (union requirements), but I always got a review on time with a raise. The union is strong and they support continued education. I had a problem with one co-worker who personally harassed me and wasn't able to resolve that issue (no employer is perfect) but the balance of my co-workers were intelligent, supportive nurses. I also miss being around more nurses and hope once this school year is complete, and because I want to go on for my RN (I am a LVN right now), I can return to Kaiser.

I worked for Kaiser here in So. Cal for 3 years and am planning on trying to return. I had an opportunity to work as a nurse at a elementary school but with all the changes in Calif's state budget, and schools getting cuts, my opportunities are running out. At the time, Kaiser provided full time benefits with employees who worked 20 hours or more. I couldn't negotiate the start hourly rate (union requirements), but I always got a review on time with a raise. The union is strong and they support continued education. I had a problem with one co-worker who personally harassed me and wasn't able to resolve that issue (no employer is perfect) but the balance of my co-workers were intelligent, supportive nurses. I also miss being around more nurses and hope once this school year is complete, and because I want to go on for my RN (I am a LVN right now), I can return to Kaiser.

Thanks, that really helps. Do all Kaiser's have unions? Never worked for a union before, heard good and bad things about them. When you return, will they help pay off your schooling that you are doing now?

I have a Kaiser 2 blocks from my house. I have been trying to get hired by them for almost 2 years, no such luck though. I am not sure if they use LVN's in the hospital right now they keep changing it. I know they do use them in the clinics and the Dr's offices as they are moving away from hiring ma's for office work. This was told to me by my Dr. at Kaiser.

I understand Kaiser will continue the years of service that I once provided as part of their benefits package (a union benefit). That is, if I am lucky to return, I can work 2 more years and become a vested (5 year) employee. I know they are all unionized here in California, but I am not sure about other states. Unions do have pros and cons. Like with my harassment situation, I could not file a complaint against the co-worker (union requirment), a fellow nurse, I had to work through my administrator who made me feel as though I caused the problem. I could have filed a complaint against the supervisor, but then the school opportunity came up so I tried to leave on a good note. As far as the cost of education, if things are still as they were then, they help fund the actual nursing program. They had contracts with certain schools in the area too to lower the cost. The pre-req part you were on your own. I know it's a leap of faith, but no other area employer had the same benefits Kaiser did. With a family and educational goals, I will need to work part time and still have a chance at benefits that won't break my bank. Would love to hear how your situation turns out.

Thanks, if I can get hired, I think Kaiser might be the way to go. Sounds promising.