What do you think about my pay cut?

[dekagirlsRN]

Hi everyone. Wanted to hear some opinions about a recent pay cut I received. I was hired a couple of months ago (in September) as an RN for a residential rehab facility (12 beds). I did not have any addiction experience so I was happy to have the opportunity to get into the field, and therefore didn't mind taking a pay cut to get the job--was making $31/hr at previous job, and hired at this rehab facility for $25/hr (or $52,000/yr). It's a 40 hour work week, but I put in way more than 40 hours but never put more than 40 down on my time sheet--I know many of you will say I'm wrong to do that but the facility is non-profit and they don't have a lot of money (I think).

In the meantime, my boss, the director, is constantly telling me what a great job I'm doing, how happy she is I'm there, blah, blah, blah, in other words, I've heard nothing negative or any complaints.

My boss pulled me aside the other day in the parking lot, telling me once again what a great job I'm doing, and that she is going to make me a salary employee. She stated that it is mostly for bookkeeping purposes but that I should still fill out a timesheet. I thanked her (what a fool I must have looked like) because at the time I wasn't sure what the perks were to being a salaried employee but I was sure there must be something good about it. On Friday, I got my first paycheck as a salaried employee and boy was I shocked to see that I actually got a PAY CUT. I am now salaried making $50,000, a $2000 pay cut! I called the bookkeeper to see if maybe there was a mistake. She said "no, I thought they talked to you about this." I asked her how many hours a week it is based on, and she said "40 but salaried employees always work a lot more."

I still like my job a lot, but now I feel like a such a sucker. Plus, my husband is giving me a hard time because I took two pay cuts since my last job and now I'm working longer hours, taking time away from my kids. He also believes that when I was first hired, I should have asked for something in lieu of not needing medical insurance (i.e. more pay or vacation time) but I didn't. I probably have no other choice except to accept this if I want to work there, but I'm upset because they weren't truthful in the salary when I was hired. I know the economy sucks and I should just be happy I have a job, but isn't it crummy of them to change the terms of the agreement. Guess I just felt like venting. Thanks for listening.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

OP, you've had some really great responses. I hope that you will rethink your employment with this not-for-profit, at least as long as it involves reporting to your current (seemingly unscrupulous) supervisor.

However, I have one word of advice: before you undertake any conversations with your employer, please consult someone who is experienced in these matters. It is one thing for those of us in an online forum to tell you that what has happened is illegal - it is another thing for you to be able to authoritatively convey that to your employer. You need to speak from a position of authority. For instance, being able to calmly tell the supervisor and/or her supervisor that her actions are unacceptable to you and violate XYZ labor law would be much more effective than just throwing out that you're pretty sure what she did was illegal and unfair.

If you want or need to salvage this position, I think an hour's consultation with a labor law attorney would be well worth the $$.

[Katie5]

Not-for-profit?And so you fail to report your true hours worked? Administration has eyes everywhere. Since you were so "nice" to do that,they probably assumed, the niceness would extend to your paycheck. Afterall,it IS non-for-profit.

[caliotter3]

Yes, you were played. You made an erroneous assumption, but one that many people would make in the same circumstances. I would go have a talk with the boss, and if you can't come to an agreement, then start looking for greener pastures.

[CJMR]

Your manager is being a jerk by taking advantage of someone with a kind heart. Don't let the fact that the company is a nonprofit make you feel guilty. They certainly aren't acting charitable when they treat you this way. At the very least you should get back your original pay and get back pay for your short paychecks. If you stay salary, if I were you I would demand better benefits such as an extra 2 weeks of vacation time. But your best bet is to go back to hourly. Then don't let them take advantage of you again. Clock all of your hours. And get out of there as soon as you can because if they pull this BS right before your eyes you can bet they are trying to take advantage of you in sneakier ways as well.

[JBudd, MSN]

Our church, loong time ago, tried to run a day care for single moms.

Our workers didn't put in for overtime, and it was the state that came back and required us to back pay them, even though they considered that they were donating the time to the church (unofficially).

My suspicion is that they didn't want to get caught not paying you your overtime.

I'm with getting a legal consultation before confronting the place.

[Jakrabt]

Ask yourself how bad you want to keep this job. If you cannot afford to lose the job right now you need to line up some job opportunities before you get assertive about salary. 2,000 a year is about $1 an hour so keep that in mind. Tell your employer how much you like working there, but that you may be forced to seek another job over the pay cut. It sounds like she will pay you to stay. Sometimes we have to turn in resignations to get raises so be prepared to do so, otherwise your words won't have much meat in them.

Never sell yourself short. You are an asset to the company and they will benefit by keeping you. Convince them of that fact :-)

[dekagirlsRN]

Thanks for all your input. I sincerely appreciate it. Like I said earlier, you've all given me so much to think about. The decision would be a no-brainer if I didn't like my job so much. I can't remember the last time I've ever felt so angry and hurt at the same time. I appreciate all your help.

[Jakrabt]

My pleasure, Nurse dekagirlsRN :-)

Us nurses are a force to be reckoned with. We are professionals that are required to run hospitals and other provider based institutions. We are also independent as in we do not have to work for an employer, if we are so motivated. I would not take anything for my nursing experience and education. I value it very highly and at the same time am willing to lease it to a doctor or hospital for a fee.

Like a wise old patient of mine told me once: If you don't like what is being served at the table just move to another one!

{{{hugs!!}}}

Hoyle aka- Jakrabt