Exploitation

I have been working as an LVN at a Doctor's office for a year and can count on ONE HAND how many times I have gotten a 10-15 minute break. Mind you, this is an outpatient facility and the staff consist of Medical Assistants and other LVns. Our manager is NOT a nurse and has NO DEGREE in healthcare. She does have 20 years of experience as an EMT. I already think this is RIDICULOUS as the training here is basically feeding new grads to the sharks. I have recently passed the nclex RN but am still getting the wage of an LVN. I asked my "manager" when I would be compensated and she said when the "higher up's" approve of it. It has already been a month. I'm tired of this ********. I feel that because the economy is bad I am getting paid less because jobs are harder to find and it makes me SICK. What should I do??? Last edit by XB9S on Aug 13, '10 : Reason: unable to give legal advise on the site
Get another job?

"....jobs are harder to find...."

No lawyer would take the case unless you ponied up large sums in advance because there is no money for them to be made. You must be from the north with this lawyer thing... but any facility does not have to give you a pay increase because you've bettered yourself. They do no NOT need an RN in your position and you're demanding something that they don't have to give you. Period. You're off base..... call you're lawyer....it's on your dime.Simply leave and look for an RN position and the pay you require... that's what others do.

I would have to agree with Zookeeper3. Sounds to me like you are willingly working under your LVN license, filling a LVN position. Most LPN's (in WA state) in my class knew they had to go out & search for an RN position if they wanted that pay. Was there some sort of agreement made that you would be paid as an RN/your role would change to RN? If so, you didn't mention a written agreement therefore it would be difficult to prove. If RNs could get the pay of an RN but fill the role of an LPN/LVN, people would be all over it. It appears that you need to go find a RN position or willingly continue working under your LVN license, which means getting paid as one. Hey, at least you can work while you search for something. Many of us are going without a paycheck while looking for our first RN job.

You were hired as an LVN, and unless the Doctor's office is in need of an RN and you have been promoted and have a contract stating such, they have no obligation to pay you an RN salary. Start circulating your resume!

You were hired as a LVN, and got your RN so now you need to apply to jobs that require the RN to get paid more. Plain and simple. Just because you happened to further your education doesnt mean that your current employer requires to pay you a RN salary if they dont need an RN. It was an LVN job to begin with.

As per the terms of service (TOS) agreement, we cannot give legal advice here. Thanks for your cooperation; I hope things work out for the OP.

Quote from runningwoman"....jobs are harder to find...."

If you sue them, you will not have that job anymore. So the lawyer thing is a moot point. If you are the only person who never gets a break, it is an issue. Your job is one that many people would take in a hot second. Not discounting how they treat you, but the reality is if you make waves you will probably be shown the door, with either overt or covert means of getting you to the door.

OP, I know someone who was an assistant/CNA in a doctor's office who only got $2 more once she got her RN. So that makes it under $20/hr. She was more than a little upset about it and said it seems she was already doing most of her job prior to the licensure.I do agree that it's best to move on once you are licensed. People don't see your (added) value and it hurts to find that out.

Quote from runningwomanOur manager is NOT a nurse and has NO DEGREE in healthcare. She does have 20 years of experience as an EMT.

Am I missing something here??? I don't see anything written by the OP about lawyers. That being said, I have to agree that unless you have it in writing that you would be promoted once you passed the NCLEX and became an RN, then to the company you are and will continue to be a LVN.