So, just how much?

[ltcnurse4u, CNA, LPN]

A few months back, I took a part time job with a group home. This a very part time job with 95% of it allows me to work from home. I am only required to see my clients twice a month. I average about 12-15 hours per pay period. I have 2 homes that I am the nurse for and I have a total of 7 clients. Each house has a house supervisor and is staffed with non-licensed staff. I am on call 24/7. I have a max time of 4 hours to respond to a call or text. I only get paid if I have a call and if I am visiting the homes. I update all MARS/TARS for each new month, I review charts and keep track of any ER visits, hospitalizations and MD appts. I have a few tough cases. This job is very challenging for me and its hard at times to separate my self from a nursing home floor nurse to a group home nurse. I had to send a client to urgent care because his foley catheter needed to be replaced. Of course this is something I can do but not in the group home. So I felt, at times, that I was struggling. Mostly with frustration because I can do this but it is not allowed in this setting and we need to do it a different way. The staff is not licensed and that is an issue. There are tons of med errors (Well there were a lot. I developed a medication training program and it has helped tremendously) and the way the staff treated the clients was just horrible. They way they talked to them, argued or debated with them. No wonder there were clients refusing to take showers or do their cares. Again, I started to train the staff on how to approach a client when it is time for their cares. The stories I could tell...I should just write a book.

So here is my question. Last week, I was called into the office for a meeting. The first hour was training on a new policy. Then, I was meeting with HR and the administrator. I was told that I have "exceeded" their expectations and that I flew passed the learning curve and that I have handled each project given to me in a timely and professional manner. I was invited to a luncheon next week with the administrator and her boss (the owner of the group homes). She then tells me that I will be expected to present an offer for my raise. I do not know even know where to begin with that. I did think I could say just pay me a flat 15 to 20hrs/per pay period plus.. I don't know.... 50cents to my current pay? I don't want to ask for something crazy high .

Thoughts?

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

Maybe negotiate a higher base salary/hr. What's the going rate in your area? Start there....

My first raise in a non medical facility (long term) was +$2/hr. After about 4 months.

[Scottishtape]

It sounds like you're working and nor being paid for all the work you do d/t their current pay policy.

If it were me, I would look a t negotiating a salary, so that not matter what, I knew I would be getting the pay I worked for/expected.

[strawberryluv, BSN, RN]

Look at what's competitive in your area for your experience.

If it were me, I would ask for a higher base salary per hour.

[Peepershops]

Negotiating a raise means knowing your own self-worth. It sounds to me like they know the value you bring to their business. You've made some good points about how you've changed some processes around to improve client outcomes. I would start with those things-make a list of how things were, what you did to improve the process, and what the outcomes were. Think about how the clients have had a positive impact because of the changes you've made. Never settle for less than 10% and present yourself with confidence. They know how lucky they are to have you, it is YOU who needs to be convinced of the same go for what you deserve!

[ltcnurse4u, CNA, LPN]

Thanks everyone. We did settle on a salary...I did some research of the current pay in the area for nurses in this area and I am happy with my new salary. We also agreed to sit down in 6 mos for another review. I also received a bonus for implanting the training programs. I will also have the option to give in-services to staff and will be paid extra when completed.