What would you do if your Admin was really CHEAP?

[Nola009]

Or, into penny pinching all the way? Our administrator hasn't given any of us raises since he started -5years ago-. And the pay rate was kinda low back then. People leave left and right, and only after a couple of months in (NURSES. and CNAs). Then others, this small town's "townies" stay forever. Some workers have said "hey your pay is too low" and threatened to quit.... but it makes no difference to them. In one ear and out the other. I mean, our admin is so cheap that he flips the lights off in the break room mid-day, and that's where we clock in! So it's dark in the brk room as 2nd shift arrives! Does anyone have any tips or can anyone relate? Please don't say quit, because the job market is tough in my area.

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

Well, the chances of strong-arming your CEO to give you a raise probably aren't great.

I'd say quitting is your best option for better pay, like it or not.

[RN403, BSN, RN]

If you cannot afford to quit at this time then I would at least start looking around for other jobs. I am sorry you are experiencing this.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

Quitting is the only answer. They don't give raises because they have people willing to work for what they're currently paying.

[ktwlpn, LPN]

what's wrong with turning off the lights in an empty room? You need to weigh your pros and cons.I turned down a sig pay raise years ago to end up in the LTC I work in now and never regretted it.What is your staffing like? The beneifts? The commute? The general atmosphere? Do you clock out at the end of your shift believing the residents got the care they deserved? Sometimes it is not about the money.

[Nola009]

The CNAs are getting very frustrated. I, as a newer grad (and have someone helping w the bills) can handle the low RN pay for now. Still trying to accumulate experience here. Don't want to leave for a few reasons and building my resume is one of em. What worries me is the STNAs with experience (good ones) don't get paid for that experience. I think they make between $9 &10, they said. Call-offs and high turn over are a problem. Other than that, it wouldn't be such a bad place. Did I mention that they just sunk $1000s into a new charting system and lifts? Lifts that are mainly the same as the old lifts? And that the aides may/may not use? Those STNAs want a raise and I can't blame them. Makes my job and being assertive /having high expectations hard when the aides get only $9 something/hr. That adds stress. How carefully I need to pick my battles.

[ktwlpn, LPN]

The CNAs are getting very frustrated. I, as a newer grad (and have someone helping w the bills) can handle the low RN pay for now. Still trying to accumulate experience here. Don't want to leave for a few reasons and building my resume is one of em. What worries me is the STNAs with experience (good ones) don't get paid for that experience. I think they make between $9 &10, they said. Call-offs and high turn over are a problem. Other than that, it wouldn't be such a bad place. Did I mention that they just sunk $1000s into a new charting system and lifts? Lifts that are mainly the same as the old lifts? And that the aides may/may not use? Those STNAs want a raise and I can't blame them. Makes my job and being assertive /having high expectations hard when the aides get only $9 something/hr. That adds stress. How carefully I need to pick my battles.

Yes,you do need to pick your battles.The CNA's need to stand up for themselves. They could organize themselves into a cohesive group and present a request to the admin. They could write up a proposal and include the starting rates of the cna's in homes in the area and speak to why they feel they work in the BEST facility and appeal to the admin. You can't do that for them. Some of them may bytch and moan still remain perfectly content where they are for YEARS,don't feel sorry for them.

Call offs need to be dealt with progressively, working short staffed brings everyone down. Federal regulations have mandated electronic medical records in nursing homes (in homes over a certain size and by a certain date-can't remember those details right now) Mechanical lifts wear quickly and become outdated, the safety of the staff and residents is important, nurses have to enforce the proper use of all of the equipment.

Teach and guide them,treat them all with respect,discipline the ones that need it.That's the best thing you can do for the cna's. The amount of money they make an hour should not be stressing you out, you have enough to get a handle on as a newer nurse.

[Nola009]

I do have enough stress, and their low pay and malcontent just adds to it. Other nurses and visiting family see these problems too. Noone does anything or nothing has worked. I thought about talking to the Administrator myself. This place has some decent people working for them. A real shame they don't show any appreciation. No raise. No Christmas card. The residents, and all of us in direct care deserve much better. I might take your advice and tell my aides to organize. I want to advocate for them though. Starting to get really ****** at mgmt

[Nola009]

The Anmin is a young new grad if that makes any difference.

[ktwlpn, LPN]

If you put on a Superman shirt you'll be the target and you'll be looking for a job. I learned that lesson a long time ago, I am not Norma Ray. Give them support and advice quietly unless you are good and ready for the consequences. One cna goes to the admin and says "Nurse Nola says we are not getting paid enough" and out you go.

I would encourage family members to follow up with their concerns,they CAN make a difference. If all of the nurses are concerned maybe they all would be willing to speak up since this is impacting directly on the resident's care.

Having been caught up in similar situations over the years I learned the hard way ,that's where I'm coming from. I have watched the same scenario play out over and over. Everyone has good intentions and I'm sure the perceived wronged parties are not intentionally setting up their champions for failure but that is very often exactly what happens. They are more then willing to stand behind you while you speak for them until things get ugly-then they all walk away and there you stand, alone and wearing that target.

I know I sound cynical. Working with TWO women who pretended they or a loved one had cancer did it to me. Being afraid the husband of a cheating co-worker would come into the facility and shoot us all took a toll as well. I stay away from ALL co-worker drama.I know it sounds awful....but I care more about saving my own butt.

[Nola009]

Thanks for your input, ktwlpn. I understand what you're saying. I might just hint around to the other nurses about approaching the Administrator. Or, not say much unless someone asks for my/us nurses opinions (ha). I dont know yet.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

It's probably against policy to even discuss pay rates. They probably signed something when they got hired agreeing with the policy, and you probably did, too. It would be a bad idea to go to administration and tell them you think other employees' wages are too low.