Supposed to be "salaried" BUT...

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Specializes in Psych.

I quit a job to take a new job as a CM for a hospice company. Just got a paycheck yesterday that did not have 40 hours on it. When I asked why, I was told (for the first time since being hired 6 weeks ago) that if I work less than 4 hrs. on a particular day, then I only get paid for a half day. If I don't work at all, I don't get paid at all. Even if I have worked 10-11 hours days for the first four days of the week to get all my work done and patients taken care of, and so I'll be available to take admissions, etc. on Friday...if I don't get called on Friday, I get paid 32 hrs. that week even if I've already worked 40+.

I was specifically told, more than once, before I quit my last job and accepted this one, that I would be "salaried" and paid for 40 hrs./week.

What sucks even more...if I am not given enough work to do (after much communication to management on my part, including driving the hour+ to the office to talk to them about it) I still don't get paid, they take no responsibility. BUT on days when nothing is lined up, I am expected to answer my phone any time 8:30-5:00 M-F and run out to anything I'm called about, even being called to start an admission at 4:30 (they take 3-4 hrs.) This happened night before last. So it amounts to my being on call for NO pay, then going out at crappy hours for no extra pay when it's NOT an emergency.

I feel SOOOO screwed right now. Guess it's time to job hunt again. I have been doing a super job, too (after a very minimal orientation), all for nothing. :confused: :crying2:

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

That sucks. :(

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

Sorry to hear that. :hug: Nothing like a dishonest employer! :mad:

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Specializes in Government.

What was in writing? Is there an employee handbook? That's a very punitive take on "salaried", that's for sure.

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How about you work only 8 hrs a day and leave the rest of the work till fri so that you will be coming in to work on Fri whether there are admissions or not.

You are working above and beyond for an employer that is paying you below your actual hours worked.

Do this for a while and they will get the picture.

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Sounds similar to one I quit.

Do you also have call 24 hours 4 days a week on your cases without any extra pay as well as any new evening admits? When you have your turn on weekend coverage having to see the patients of 5 other nurses and any new admits which keeps you up and running and responsible for 24 hours from friday to a.m. Monday - this too, without pay?

Hospices can have the most evil people running them. Hospices are big money. Makes you want to vomit.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I would at least attempt a resolution. Everything is negotiable if they are willing. They might want to keep you and change a few things. Otherwise, you will know you did your best and can leave with that knowledge.

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

Contract ... where's the contract?

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Specializes in CVICU.
How about you work only 8 hrs a day and leave the rest of the work till fri so that you will be coming in to work on Fri whether there are admissions or not.

You are working above and beyond for an employer that is paying you below your actual hours worked.

Do this for a while and they will get the picture.

I would do this, and also look for another job. What would make you situation an even worse screw job is if you left a job you liked to be jacked around like this.

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Everything in writing. Do not work more than 8 hours unless it is an emergency.

I have rarely met any nurse who had direct patient care that only worked 40 hours on a 'salaried' position. It's an outright sin that WOMEN are treated this way, and made to feel guilty about it. It's very rare that men put up with this junk.

Call them on it - - tell them you will keep track of your hours and show them to the labor board.

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Specializes in Hospice.

But first ... find a way to check out labor laws in your state governing exempt (salaried) and non-exempt employees.

It sounds like your employer is treating you like an exempt employee for purposes of overtime but like a non-exempt employee for less than 5 days of work. Not at all sure it's legal and you could be entitled to a fair amount of back pay for the hours you put in on your long days.

Some employment law attorneys will give a short, free consultation to tell you whether you have a case or where to look for information.

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Did you get your compensation in writing? or was this a verbal agreement JUSt to get you to come on board. I am also new to hospice but all my compensation is in writing and I signed the agreement. The hours do fluctuate but I am still paid what I agreed to.

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