This is a vent about health care positions not paying enough to secure the people they need.
I recently interviewed for a position in the health care industry as a Direct Support Specialist for a residential community home. Prior to meeting in person, I was told over the phone it would start at $15.50 with a $600 sign on bonus. I swore it said the same on the indeed ad. When I arrive for the in person interview, they tell me they will start me at $14.50, but there is plenty of chance for promotion. The ad now also says $14.50 to start, and the promised sign-on bonus of $600 is now only $500.
I sent out at least 5-10 applications and some were for retail positions. I have a large background in customer service and trust my sales skills. I am still learning the skills to be an effective caregiver, especially for those on the autism spectrum.
Prior to these applications, I had finished CPR/First Aid training as well as a 40 hour course to become a Registered Behavior Technician for an ABA Therapy location. I resigned from the role as I realized where my skills are at with certain age group populations. I also had a terrible gut feeling overall and decided to trust that instinct. That position started at $18 an hour.
I am now a Nanny for $20 an hour plus .50 cents per mile driven. Sadly, snow days and short hours are impacting my wages. I am not making enough to meet my needs. Hence why I am looking for something more consistent and conducive to my education goals.
I had an interview today with a dispensary, and they promised to start at $15, plus whatever tips I make. The shifts are more conducive to my studies. It's closer to home. It's something I know I can perform well at.
I did the due diligence of letting the health care position know I was being offered another position and the higher rate of pay was my reason for taking the other opportunity. They asked what the position was and the rate of pay so they could attempt to match it. I simply stated it was not in the health care field, and was customer service focused with $15 + tips being promised. They countered back with a pay increase of $16-17, as a medication manager for a facility much further away.
Now I am just mad. This person sat and offered me $14.50, knowing full well I already had my CPR/First Aid, and RBT training done. They were going to see how low they could pay me to change adult diapers and deep clean facilities. When I tell them a customer service position is able to out pay them, they still can't meet the rate that I was paid as a Behavior Tech or currently as a Nanny. $16-17 at best, but I have to accept a longer and more dangerous commute that would make the dollar extra a moot point to begin with.
If you want compassionate people to stay in your industry, you need to pay them enough that a dispensary isn't able to lure them away with a dollar extra. They say money doesn't buy happiness but I certainly feel less burnt out when my bills are paid and my house is warm.
I hate this game.