need advice re pay rate inequity

[labornurs]

Hi all. I've been an RN for 17 1/2 years, and I've been continuously employed by my current hospital for that entire time. I have changed my status several times (part-time, full-time, prn, etc.) to accomodate my family. A year ago, I changed from prn back to full time. When my manager told me what my new pay rate would be, I could have cried. She stated that she thought it was too low, and that she would investigate, and work on having it adjusted, and that she valued me, didn't want to lose me, blah, blah, blah. I was upset, and considered leaving, but I LOVE my job & don't want to jump into something I may not like without trying to fight this. Every few weeks over the last year my manager has told me she's still "working on it", but otherwise nothing has changed. I have also discovered that several different coworkers who were hired around the same time I was are currently paid about $4.00 more per hour than I am. We all have similar circumstances regarding changing our status at different times over the years. I have always had excellent performance evaluations, and maintained my required competancies. I've never had an attendance problem, or any disciplinary actions. I believe I am highly regarded on my unit, and am usually "in charge" when I work. I don't understand this inequity in pay rates, and I don't know how to fight it. I've called my HR rep, who stated that he couldn't do anything for me, and that I must handle it through my manager, even though she is apparently doing nothing. Have any of you had similar experiences, or can anyone offer any advice? Thanks!!

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would set up a formal meeting with your boss to review all of the facts (including the timetable of her original promise to look into it). Ask her if there are other people who she would like to include in the meeting -- such as a representation from HR and/or her boss.

During that meeting, be pleasant and polite (NOT confrontational), but ask that everything be put in writing and signed by both of you -- including a statement saying when she will get back to you regarding the review of your salary. If that doesn't spur her to take care of it, then you take that paper to her boss. Give her a reasonable chance (in writing) to fix things ... but have everything well documented so that you can take it up the chain of command if necessary. Create a paper trail of your inquiries and her responses before you go up the chain command -- but go up if you need to.

[MALE*RN*777]

llg made some good points. Everyone wants to pass the buck. Start at the bottom and work your way up. If all else fails and your not happy then I would pack up and leave. If you are that valued then they will give in. Unfortunately for me working with the state its all about how long you've been there and there are standard raises for everyone. If you've been there for 20 yrs then everyone at 20 years on the same classification receives the same pay whether full or part time. Good luck and let us know how it goes....