HeroOfNone

I work for a large multi-specialty clinic w/ 12 doctors, 9 PA's/NP's and 30+ nurses. All of the nurses are CMA's w/ the exception of the two nurse managers who are RNs. At the beginning of the year we received a company-wide email stating that due to the new health care reform we may not be getting raises this year and that we would be notified of the decision in the coming months. A few weeks ago another email came out stating basically the same dribble, that raises are uncertain and will be determined at a later date. I am well aware how the new reform could potentially hurt the clinics profits, but this is what really bites my butt... Over the past year and a half the clinic has undergone reconstruction/remodeling. Mostly just redecorating in my opinion since we only gained and extra 6 exam rooms per floor. Butt gosh the place sure looks purty. We were given a beautiful break room w/ windows and a computer w/ printer for leisure purposes. I guess we should consider this our bonus? I got friendly w/ the foreman's assistant and discovered to my horror that all of this "necessary" remodeling has racked up to a hefty 2+ million dollars. This would include hiring the attractive decorator who walked around w/ the maintenance man who watched him hang obscenely expensive art on the walls for three days, and a gorgeous but also obscenely expensive couch that sits uselessly outside the elevator lobby. During lunch the break room conversations is almost always focused on how the nursing staff is disgusted that we will, in all likelihood, not be getting raises. In the mean time the doctors and other providers have already received their quarterly bonuses and there is rumor that we will be hiring two new specialists (cardiologist and GI). It's obvious that the clinic is NOT strapped for cash. When the nurses try to wrangle me in to one of theses conversations I state what I have stated from the beginning. Strike. This word brings fear to thier hearts and understandably so. We do not have a union, though I have encouraged time and time again that we need to form one (for reasons beyond the threat of not getting a raise). Our biggest problem is that we are totally replaceable. For every insulted nurse who tries to rage against the system, there are 8 unemployed nurses jockeying for position to take our job, and the company knows this. I do want to fight. I want to stand up and defend my fellow co-workers (receptionists and coders included) but unfortunately, NO ONE will stand beside me. Seems like everyone would rather take the abuse than take a stand. And if I were to lead the charge then I would be instantly fired (they'd find a reason) and made an example for others who might find a speck of courage or pride. I dunno...I guess I'll just do what the other girls are doing and start looking for a private practice who will pay me a respectful wage. In the mean time though, my colleagues are showing the powers-that-be that they will be the lemmings they want them to be. Is there ANY way I can encourage the nursing staff to be bold or is it a useless cause? I'd love advice from a seasoned veteran who's been in this type of situation. Thanks for listening.