Salary vs per hour for floor nurses

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Nov 14, 2013

You are the first salaried bedside nurse I have ever heard of.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Nov 15, 2013

Agree with PP. I recall that there was a 'movement' in the 90's to shift RNs into salaried (exempt) position, but it quickly died out because (IMO) staff nurses were too smart to fall for it. Exempt employees have virtually no rights when it comes to overtime & employers can still enforce all scheduling & absence rules, including making you work mandatory overtime. Here is a link with the cold, hard facts Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Coverage (Exempt vs. Non-Exempt -- The Online Wages, Hours and Overtime Pay Resource

My advice? Look for another job & leave this nonsense behind you.

embradsmom · Nov 15, 2013

Thank you both for your input. We are fighting it. Which is why I posted this question

Wrench Party · Nov 16, 2013

This is a horrible idea. One of the reasons I left my previous field (science) was because of the long hours of work expected

of most for inadequate compensation (the plight of grad students comes to mind). Salaries are great when one clearly works 40 hours/week consistently. However, in most professions these days, salaries are an excuse for employers to demand extra work without extra compensation. Be weary of such claims.

I like clocking in, working, and clocking out at the end of the day- it is very satisfying.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2013

I have been a nurse for 35 years.....the only time I was salaried was as a manager and my salary was such that the extra time spent was "paid" in PTO.

If you become salary they will have a hard time complying with Fair wage regulations and mandatory OT.....not paying for time spent over scheduled shift.

Fight it with all your might.

MrChicagoRN, RN · Nov 17, 2013

What do you mean technically not paid for it?. You either are paid, or you aren't.

Or do you mean you have a higher hourly rate because you are salaried?

The Department of Labor has specific criteria regarding what constitutes an exempt worker. Check it out

embradsmom · Nov 17, 2013

Mr Chicago We are given what our per hour rate is based on 36 hr/wk. my salary is what I am to make a year working 36 hrs. They do pay use our per hourly rate for working extra days or time we sign up for. But as many nurses know you often stay later than your scheduled time to finish charting or following up on a patient who is having issues . We do not get paid for that. 1/2 an hour hear and there adds up. Believe me I wish I would leave 7:30 on the dot but that doesn't happen. We do not get time and a half for working over 40 hrs. No mandatory overtime so far. Thanks for the feedback!

riverotter · Nov 20, 2013

I refused a promotion into a salaried position. I saw the previous DON get called at home, have to stay late for emergencies, and have the weight of the whole facility on her shoulders. No thanks!!!!

embradsmom · Nov 20, 2013

I I posted this question on another forum but want as much input as possible. I am a bedside nurse and am paid salary based on 36 hr work week. Does anyone else work salary as a bedside nurse? If so do you like it? Any advantages? Any input is great. On my unit we are fighting it and I want as much info as I can get going into a meeting with admin.

roser13, ASN, RN · Nov 20, 2013

I've never heard of a bedside nurse on salary. I would be suspicious. How is your workload? How many hours do you actually work? 36 or more?

MJB2010 · Nov 20, 2013

I would never take salary as a floor nurse. It is rare that I get my lunch breaks and it is common that I have to stay late. I cannot see any positives to having my pay salaried. If I was you bet your bottom dollar I'd be leaving on time and not taking extra assignment.