What is a fair pay rate for a medical office assistant who also cares for the doctors baby as well?
Asked by SCOOTER'S GRANDMA
I have been working for this private doctor for a year and 6 months now. Nine month ago she had a baby and has been bringing him into the office daily since day one. I knew that this was going to happen when I took the position but, I was told that after three months which turned into one year of work I would receive a $2.00 raise. Well turns out that 2 bucks an hour was not in the budget but, I was permitted to come into the office one hour early and leave one hour later to take care of office duties that I am not able to attend to while caring for the baby during office hours. Isn't that nice? I make $10.00 per hour. Do you think this pay arate is fair? We don't see ill patients this is a chiropractic office so it's really ok for the baby to be in this medical enviornment. I also must add that I work part time. We are in the office only 4 to 5 hour a day 4 days a week. Sorry DS I hit the wrong rating symbol. I was trying to give you a thumbs up.

Best Answer:
Actually I commend you for working in a family friendly environment. My doctor is in a partnership with her spouse, they added a playroom for their own kids and a separate one for patients. And we have all watched their children grow. I wish more employers "got a grip" on reality and went this direction. You actually should be making closer to $15 an hour. (I really doubt there is an industry standard out there.) But at $10 you are really not being compensated for the babysitting. "Permitted" to come in an hour early and leave an hour later - that's not helping you! You need to ask for incremental raises, rather than one lump sum. As the baby gets older, he is going to need more attention. This is only a good situation if all parties agree on the terms and conditions. While your negotiating leverage is that she needs you, tread lightly. The doctor is obviously unaware of the needs of her employees. I don't recommend the "blue flu" or walking out in frustration. But definitely make her sit down and talk with you about the situation. Another option is to build an in-house nursery for her baby and anyone else on staff that needs daycare... Good luck...

I THINK THAT YOUR BOSS HAS A MENTAL PROBLEM. Who in their right mind would bring their child to work everyday. She must not care about the baby's health--sick people, germs, diseases, and how can a baby be a baby in a business office. I hope that she does not allow the baby to crawl around on the floor. She has taken advantage of you, and you are working two jobs for the price of one. I would start looking around for a better job before you become too attached to the baby..
Answered by D S

might point out...assistants one job, and baby sitters job 2. whats the going rate for daycare, babysitting, would be the question if you were my wife. 2 jobs, 2 pay checks. the day-care probably pays more.
Answered by DennistheMenace

PatV has a very good answer, I think you should be receiving 2 checks, 1 for your ''office duties'' and 1 (untaxed) for ''baby sitting''.Sit your ''boss'' down and discuss it if at all possible, you should be getting $10 hr. for office duties and $2 hr. for ''babysitting'' .She could get a tax credit for her ''daycare'' expenses
Answered by Michael H