2014 Wage Survey For CNAs, Medical Assistants, HHAs, PCTs: Post Here!
Sadly, far too many allied healthcare workers are not always paid what they are worth. Knowledge is power, so wage surveys have the capability to empower workers by generating immensely helpful information about pay rates.
Money is integral to our quality of life. Sorry, but a fake smile is not going to keep a roof over our heads, a pat on the back will not pay the past due electric bill, and a hug isn't going keep us fed and clothed. We all want, need and love to be compensated appropriately for the very important work that we do. Unofficial wage surveys are tremendously helpful because:
They empower workers by providing information on the wages that our peers earn.
They address aspects that strongly impact wages such as geographic differences, specialties, and cost of living.
They allow people from around the country to disclose their earnings with a certain measure of anonymity. This is useful because many workplaces have policies and procedures that disallow any public discussion regarding pay rates, so respondents are more likely to disclose what they earn if they feel they will not be reprimanded for doing so.
The millions of hard-working people across the country who belong to the allied healthcare community have recently ushered in another new year that is filled with a mixture of boundless potential, endless possibilities and anxious uncertainties. Nurses aides, medical assistants, patient care technicians, home health aides, and other types of unlicensed assistive personnel are extremely important to the flawless functioning of our healthcare system and to society as a whole.
Unfortunately, too many allied healthcare workers are not always paid wages that correspond with their high levels of motivation, professionalism, dedication, thoroughness, multi-tasking capabilities and years of experience. In fact, it might be shocking to discover that some of our peers are not earning a great deal more than the federal minimum wage threshold.
If we think about the topic of pay for too long, we might become disillusioned at the realization that the gum-popping cashier at the McDonald's fast food joint earns about the same hourly rate as CNAs in many cities and towns.
Many people who deny the importance of wages are simply being dishonest with themselves. Salary is a major factor for the majority of people who figuratively bust their butts and put in exhausting days at work. And even though an allied healthcare worker might take great pride in the work she performs on a day to day basis, she probably would not keep reporting to the workplace if her boss made the following announcement out of the blue:
"We are regretfully informing you that the company is no longer issuing pay checks to any employees starting today. From now on, the company will compensate all employees with thumbs up, hugs, warmth, smiles, pats on the back, cookies, platitudes, and recognition for doing an outstanding job."
Members who want to contribute to the unofficial wage survey for 2014 should feel free to post their answers with the information in the following order
What is your job title (CNA, medical assistant, medication aide, HHA, PCT, PCA)?
Where are you located?
What is your hourly wage?
Are you paid shift differentials?
What shift(s) do you usually work?
What is your current specialty (rehab, med/surg, ortho, doctors' office, clinic, long term care, psych, home health, hospice, etc.)?
How many years of experience do you have?
What is your status (full-time, part-time, or casual / per diem / PRN)?
Are you a pursuing a career as a nurse (RN or LPN)?
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
For those of you who have the midnight shift how much of it is downtime? 7 out of 10 hours? 9 out of 10 hours? Or not much at all, like 3 out of 10 hours?[/quote']
When I worked nights down time was 30-45 min ( break) out of a 12 hour shift f lucky. There was ALWAYS something to be done or prepared for. 3+hrs down time would result in someone being sent home early without pay but option for FT staff to use PTO time.
I am currently a Nursing Assistant in Virginia Beach VA, but I obtained my CNA license in Oregon. I have been a nursing assistant for 1.5 years. I currently work at Atlantic Shores Retirement Community in the Skilled/Long Term care facility. I make 11.50/hour base pay. I usually work only day shift, but I fill in wherever they need me. I am only scheduled for every other weekend but I pick up shifts during the week. It's 1 dollar more for evening shift and 1.50 more for nights. Its 2 dollars and hour more on weekends on all shifts. I start nursing school January 13 for my RN at the local community college.[/quote']
Could you tell me the process to work in another state you're not licensed in? I'm planning to go the same route. Looking for CNA program so I can work while going to school for RN. But I would be in a different state after CNA training.
It depends. Typically if I'm working the floor I have 12-24 patients (Q4 vitals, call lights, 6am weights, blood sugars, I&O'S, hourly rounding and charting) So if I'm lucky I get an hour or two total (not including my half hour lunch, and adding all of the times I get to sit down together.) There would probably be less down time If I were permanently on a specific unit, since stocking and cleaning is always needed.
However, since I am in the float pool I end up sitting about 75%+ of the time. In that case I have a ton of down time, usually almost the whole shift.
Health Care Assistant in Vancouver, Canada. Working Casual in Extended Care Facility with 1 yr experience. Making 22.60/hour + 1.75 for night shift + 1 for weekend.
I plan to move to seattle next year to peruse my nursing education. Wondering how I could work as a CNA in Seattle? Do I need to be registered with CNA association in Washington? Can I take exam without registering in course? Please give me some advice. I appreciate any information.
What is your job title (CNA, medical assistant, medication aide, HHA, PCT, PCA)? PSCP (personal care service provider)
Where are you located? New Hampshire
What is your hourly wage? 9$
Are you paid shift differentials? no
What shift(s) do you usually work? Part Time, Afternoons and evenings. Two hour shifts.
What is your current specialty (rehab, med/surg, ortho, doctors' office, clinic, long term care, psych, home health, hospice, etc.)? Home health. I give showers, change clothing, prepare meals and clean
How many years of experience do you have? 1 year
What is your status (full-time, part-time, or casual / per diem / PRN)? Part Time
Are you a pursuing a career as a nurse (RN or LPN)? Yes, pursuing an associates degree in nursing (RN)
It depends. Typically if I'm working the floor I have 12-24 patients (Q4 vitals, call lights, 6am weights, blood sugars, I&O'S, hourly rounding and charting) So if I'm lucky I get an hour or two total (not including my half hour lunch, and adding all of the times I get to sit down together.) There would probably be less down time If I were permanently on a specific unit, since stocking and cleaning is always needed.
However, since I am in the float pool I end up sitting about 75%+ of the time. In that case I have a ton of down time, usually almost the whole shift.
JustBeachyNurse, LPN
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