Sad but true (maybe)

U.S.A. Virginia

Published

An administrative assistant in the Chesapeake area makes more than a CNA or Phlebotomist. I've been told that all you need to get a job as an administrative assistant is an associate degree. Usually in general studies. I can't overlook a possible $40k job, even if it's outside of healthcare.

Are there any jobs in healthcare that use administrative assistant skills?

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My friend makes that much and she is an administrative assistant for a big company, BUT she has her masters in business. She runs the place, does all the hiring, is the HR chick. There is no way a entry level admin asst is earning that money around here.

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Heather I didn't think so.

#1 is still to get into this LPN program.

#2 is do a single semester phlebotomy course.

#3 is work nights as a CNA (guess with shift diff I'd make $16/hr)

#4 draw on my other talents (chef, chauffeur or security guard)

I know one thing, come August 2014 I will be in a BSN program in Virginia.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

This is the problem with Hampton Roads: salaries are low because of the local job market. A lot of workers are part of military families, and this results in a lot of turnover as people are PCSed in and out of the areas every 2-3 years. In addition, a lot of people will work only when their active duty spouse is deployed; the minute the spouse returns, they'll either drop back to part-time or outright quit.

And guess what one of the top careers for military spouses is? Yup, it's nursing (along with healthcare and teaching). So there's a lot of nurse/healthcare turnover in SE VA...and the hospitals know it. So why offer top dollar when you know it's probable they won't be in the job for more than a year or two?

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Because I'm not in the military.

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But they can't ask that, or pay a person not affiliated with the military more, just because of that reason. If your not military why in the world would you want to move out here?

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
But they can't ask that, or pay a person not affiliated with the military more, just because of that reason. If your not military why in the world would you want to move out here?

True.

Even if they try to conceal it, the fact that a person's part of a military family can become pretty obvious pretty fast without any effort, such as when you ask the question, "what does your spouse do?"...which is not illegal to ask an applicant AFAIK. Or you look at a resume and notice a pattern in where/how long the last jobs were. Or even look out the window and see those lovely base stickers on the person's car.

I agree with Heather though: if you (general, not just the OP) are not in/associated with the military, I can't imagine why you'd want to come out to HR. Unless you had family in the area or were planning to go to ODU/EVMS/one of the other colleges. HR is mostly military and tourism.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

OK ... I feel the need to stick up for my region. I moved to Hampton Roads from out-of-state and have no family here and have no connection with the military. I like it because it is a "mid-sized city" atmosphere -- with enough population to support a couple of universities, a wide range of social/cultural events such as concerts, comedy clubs, opera, sports, etc. -- but not so big as Washington, New York, Baltimore, etc. We have beaches here and are within 2 hours of mountains. The climate is moderate -- winters aren't too bad and summers aren't too hot. You can choose to live in a rural area, suburban neighborhood, or downtown in one of the cities -- whatever suits you. There are major stores in the shopping malls that range from "outlets" to "high end."

It's also located about 5 hours from my family, making it easy to see them over a weekend or holiday without having to use a lot of vacation time.

Salaries are not great -- maybe not even good. But the cost of living is not that bad. The culture is not "hoity-toidy" and you don't have to spend a lot of money on clothes, food, entertainment, etc. Housing is about average for the country -- not as cheap as small towns or the mid-west .... but not as expensive as in major cities. I have lived in several different cities and states and this is pretty much "middle of the road" in most ways. I agree that the pay is a little on the low side ... but no area is perfect in every way. There are compromises to make in every situation. My quality of life here is high and the pay is adequate for a middle-class lifestyle.

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It's not a matter so much as WHY do we have to move there. It's overall better for our twins and us. In healthcare I have a "luxury" of finding my job in every region whereas her job is not. She has better opportunities back east in that area. I know that wages are lower than here in Las Vegas, NV. But beyond salary I look at other things like education for the kids and QUALITY of life. I love Las Vegas but I love giving my family better opportunities more. It may not seem like it but living in Chesapeake vs Las Vegas is actually better for everyone. I mean if it was that bad as far as pay goes, why is the area still populated? People there are still getting it done!

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Because I'm not in the military.

YET

I would like to join the military if I'm allowed. So I would if I can but I'm talking about soon after graduation. The scenario about pay you spoke of was regards to RN's. Nobody really addresses CNA or LPN pay much. Not to say they never do.

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

Have you considered the NOVA area, where techs make more? I know techs on my floor start at $14/hr

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