Mileage question--is this the norm??

[Nurse!Nurse!Hello?]

I recently accepted a position as an RN for a company that provides "personal care" for seniors. My job involves driving to their homes to complete an assessment and care plan, and to supervise the CNAs who are providing the care.

The job pays $30/hour, but there is no mileage reimbursement. The clock starts when I arrive at their home, and ends when I leave. So I might spend an hour in traffic with no reimbursement for driving or gas.

Is this the norm? I have a feeling the employer may be flexible on this if I can present suggestions about what the normal protocol is in other agencies. I really appreciate any feedback!

[Peanut&Buttercup]

http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs22.pdf

I don't know what's normal, but that just doesn't seem right.

[toomuchbaloney]

If your employer is not paying you mileage you will want to claim it on your taxes.

Nurses who are paid per visit also are not paid hourly while they are driving to and from clients.

That is not a very happy hourly wage, but I have an Alaskan view of such things.

[Nurse!Nurse!Hello?]

http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs22.pdf

I don't know what's normal, but that just doesn't seem right.

"Time spent by an employee in travel as part of their principal activity, such as travel from job site to job site during the workday, is work time and must be counted as hours worked."

That's interesting...not just in my case, but for all home health nurses who see several patients a day...

[Benedina]

I think it's your hourly wage that makes the problem, personally. I'm paid per visit--roughly 150% of what you're paid per hour--and that visit time is meant to include travel time, charting time, case management time as well as visit time. In addition I get paid a small amount of extra money for in-town trips and a slightly higher amount for out of town trips. If I manage my time well--it's fair compensation, over time, for me.

Benedina

[Nurse!Nurse!Hello?]

I think it's your hourly wage that makes the problem, personally. I'm paid per visit--roughly 150% of what you're paid per hour--and that visit time is meant to include travel time, charting time, case management time as well as visit time. In addition I get paid a small amount of extra money for in-town trips and a slightly higher amount for out of town trips. If I manage my time well--it's fair compensation, over time, for me.

Benedina

Yes, I think you are right. My main concern is that I live in a congested urban area, and I am afraid I will sit in traffic for an hour with no compensation for time or mileage. All for a one-hour visit for which I will be paid $30.

I believe there is room for negotiation regarding the mileage. I am still figuring out exactly what to ask for, since I have never had a position before that involves driving...