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0 0 0 4.5 <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> Page 2 <br /> October 29, 1981 <br /> Thus, as of August, 1981, NCMH staff nurses base pay jumped to 3 grades above <br /> OUT PHN I's (as our nurses have not yet been upgraded). Even with the upgrading, <br /> our PHN I's would be paid 2 grades lower than their counterparts at NCMH. <br /> If we are placed on the Ctimmissioner's agenda to verbally discuss this request, <br /> we would make several additional points, among them are; <br /> 1. As Orange is only one of three counties in this part of the State that uses <br /> the hiring rate, the State will only allow us to start a public health nurse <br /> above the hiring rate if that person has achieved permanent status as a <br /> public health nurse before coming here, <br /> 2. Contrasted to the State, steps 2 to 4 of the pay scale are not automatic <br /> (only the increase from hiring to step 1 is automatic upon completion of <br /> probation). Orange applies the merit concept to the steps 2 to 8, with <br /> 2/3 of the staff eligibility, thereby depressing wage growth along the <br /> step scale. The Orange Personnel Policies reserve the decision to allow <br /> more than one merit per year to the Commissioners. This, in operational <br /> terms, has resulted in no salary, merit-based, quick growth as is often the <br /> case at the University or the hospital. <br /> 3. It is insulting and unfair to our superior trained and educated nurses to <br /> start so much lower and then have to work here 31/2 years to be at the starting <br /> wage of a hospital staff nurse. It takes more than 3½ years if one does <br /> not get one of the merits due to the 2/3 limit,or some other problem. <br /> 4. We are woefully understaffed and therefore we ask above average effort <br /> from our nurses (other comparable to Orange Health Departments have 19-24 <br /> nurses, we have 11 plus a supervisor); <br /> 5. We are having difficulty recruiting due to the wage gap; <br /> f) Our nurses are exceptionally dedicated and competent; <br /> 7. The community benefits from their efforts; <br /> 8. We have a great financial investment in these persons; <br /> 9. We have in the past voluntarily reclassified sanitarians prior to their <br /> manditory reclassification. While we hold our sanitarians in high esteem, <br /> we wish to not let our nurses think we do not also highly value them; <br /> 10. The increase is inevitable if we are to maintain our public health nursing <br /> service; <br /> 11. Kind words and appreciation are invaluable, however, more money (in today's <br /> economic climate) is important to employee morale. <br /> Thank you. <br /> • <br /> :mw <br />