pay scale Charleston Huntington W.Va.

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Specializes in med-surg.

I'm a new grad RN and want to find out what people are getting paid and the perks. I know i can ask each hospital, agency, etc. I can also ask you; you have the inside view of what it is really like. So please post. I am interested in per diem (or part time or casual or whatever they call it--is there a difference?) What is the pay? What are the perks? Thanks!:biggringi

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hello Budnut;

Going start rate is 18.00 to 20.00/hr. Does not include shift diff, weekend diff, or critical bonus(paid when its really short or an emergency). Agency is around 28.00/hr.

I would suggest at least a year of work before going agency, in fact, I think most agencies demand that. Hope this helps.:nurse:

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Specializes in med-surg.

Thanks so much.

What is "agency"? And which city are you familiar with?

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Hi Budnut.

Sorry, agency is one or two nursing agencies in Charleston and Huntington area that staff local facilities, including nursing homes, for shifts. Per diem is working at a specific facility, working hours sometimes specific to a unit or a facility, for higher pay and generally without benefits. Per diem at facilities in Charleston pay 32.00/hr to 36/hr depending on unit and shift.

Budnut, let's just say southern WV is family territory. I know many, many nurses who have gone the per diem route and have some good experiences with it, but they have spouses who work great jobs with very good benefits. There is always the slack time, everyone wants time before Christmas but no one wants to work during the summer. Facilities look at nursing as a cost they must bear but would love to do without, so NEVER assume you are going to be appreciated for the hard work and professional profile you need to maintain.

Nursing is changing here in the hills. Once it was common to have a staff committed to good, competent, safe care of the patient. Families were treated with respect and kindness. Now, staff turn-over is common, patients are given safe care generally but there are many issues swept under the rug. Families are not as trusting or as nice as in the past. Doctors are still getting big money for less than competant care at some facilities. Guard your license and your tongue at all times.

Have a great day.

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Budnut,

For ther record I think the hospitals in Huntington have better staffing ratios, give excellent care to most patients, treat staff better, pay better, and have many doctors who have nicer attitudes when a problem develops. CAMC is a big name but it has many, many issues regarding pay and benefits that drag on year after year. Staffing is a issue at all of the facilities in Charleston. There are days that are so unsafe it is scary, supervisors turn a blind eye and do not appreciate being told to get staff or close beds when the nurses are pushed to the limit.

Now, I know I am going to be flamed by somone who disagrees about the two areas, but after over 20 years in nursing, it is truly how I feel.

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That is all very helpful, straight info and i thank you. I work for one of those CAMC hospitals now, and i see what you are talking about. Since i live between the 2 cities, i think i'll look at Huntington.

The little of CAMC system that i see is like, "We are IT! The BIG DOG! Don't get in the way with your 'input'. Ain't no hospital as big and bad as us!" The staff (nurses, doctors, clerks) freqently have a "I'm worked to death, pissed, and you can't go anywhere else anyway" attitude. The Adm. seems to really care about pt care in what they tell new employees, but that quickly breaks down once the work begins.

Glad to be able to tell someone.

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I will agree that the hospitals in Charleston in my opinion seem really poor in regards to patient care, no I am not saying they have horrible nurses. I am saying I dont think they staff the hospital adequately and routinely hear horror stories from nurses and patient/family members. I do hear better things about the Huntington hospitals.

There was a report out a year or so ago, and I think Logan actually was the highest paying hospital in general then it was Cabell I think. The hospitals in Huntington I think do pay on average a few dollars more an hour. I think Cabell and St. Marys also pay for your health insurance?

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Specializes in MICU, ER, SICU, Home Health, Corrections.

Well... I've been at a Charleston facility for nearly a year now and I agree with what has been said so far... it's a crap shoot. Some good, some bad, mostly the big dog attitude, and as I've said before, waaaay too many chiefs and no where near enough native americans.

The dog is big, but it's old and so are its tricks. Something really needs to be done about the division of finances and the administrative mess. I'm not sure there are any perqs other than a small discount card for local vendors.

CPNE is pretty much on the mark with attitudes.

In defense however; there are some really good docs there.

For the Huntington area, I hear good/bad about both big facilities there, mostly good. Pay is a bit higher and I hear the ratios are indeed better than Charleston.

Logan Regional is a decent little place, and I believe the starting pay for new grads is top salary by about $1/hr, $19/hr or so. Once you're experienced, it's about average or less. PRN pay has 3 levels and tops at $22.10 plus eve or nite plus unit/hours worked diff. I'd say tops is $26/hr at most.

Cabell and StM are self-insured I think... if you are an employee, they will treat you free or very cheap.

?

rb

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belcher,

CAMC has some great employees and a few very good physicians. At one time, a patient was really lucky to get treatment there. Now, while it is still good in some areas, it does have too many top-lofty people. I miss many of the old physicians, they were great. Not too many there today who inspire a smile just by walking on the floor and starting rounds.

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Specializes in MICU, ER, SICU, Home Health, Corrections.
belcher,

CAMC has some great employees and a few very good physicians. At one time, a patient was really lucky to get treatment there. Now, while it is still good in some areas, it does have too many top-lofty people. I miss many of the old physicians, they were great. Not too many there today who inspire a smile just by walking on the floor and starting rounds.

Amen to that....

so where do you work???

rb

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My mother dealt with the liscensing of docs at Cabell for years, knew the records of most in the area, and she has insisted for years that Cabell has the best overall medical staff (St. Mary's is getting better), and that under NO circumstances was I ever to go to CAMC for ANY reason ( I live in Teays Valley). The work conditions are supposed to be awesome and yes, the medical coverage is great. I plan on applying for a job at Cabell as soon as I graduate.

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CAMC pays $18 to newbies. I found out that St. Mary's pays almost $21. Now, i don't know how long you have to work to get a raise and i don't know the details of the benefits.

BTW: St. Francis has a great web description of their benefits:http://www.stfrancishospital.com/CC-Descriptions.asp?Position_ID=99

and click at the bottom:

Benefits:

Click here for further information about our generous benefits package.

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