should I talk to HR?

Nurses General Nursing

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so my earlier post was explaining that as a new grad I got a job in LTC in NE CT. My starting wage is only 23.50, which seems low to me. I talked to some of my friends that graduated with me, and they are making significantly more per hour. I was wondering if there is a good way to talk to someone about this. I have orientation on Monday, and was thinking maybe I should call before hand. Either way I'm taking the job because I need the experience, but my gut tells me it's just not enough. Anyone have an opinion or suggestions on how to handle this situation?

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I used to work in HR before I changed careers to nursing. I wasn't in healthcare, but HR is fairly universal across all industries. At the point where you've accepted the offer, signed all the paperwork, and are ready to start orientation, salary negotiations have been completed. If you go back to them and ask for more money at this point, they will say (more than likely) say no and you'll be starting your career there under precarious circumstances. Why would they re-negotiate salary with you when they can simply find another new grad RN? If I were you I'd chalk this up to a learning experience (next time, negotiate salary instead of just taking what they offer), get that magic 1-year RN experience, and move on to a new role after that.

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Specializes in Oncology, LTC.

Where do your friends work? That's pretty good for a new grad in LTC. Do your friends work in the hospital setting? Then yeah, they would be making more than you. Unfortunately. I used to work in LTC as a new grad so I feel your pain.

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Specializes in TELEMETRY.

Honestly I dont think they are intentionally trying to screw you..... But if you need the experience just do it for now untill you find a high rate....

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Was HR the one that told you your salary or was it the hiring manager or DON or owner or who?

If you decide to discuss the salary, talk with the right person, whoever you determine that to be. It is NOT the CLERK in HR.

You might say something like, "I feel a little awkward bringing up salary, but I wonder if we could revisit it for a moment. I was going over my budget and I find that I need a little more than $23.50 per hour. I need $_____ per hour. Would that work for you?" That would be a pretty gutsy move, yet it might succeed with some bosses. With others, they would simply say "no, not able to do that, we've already agreed upon ____."

I guess, given the tough time you likely had getting the job at all, you might want to be really careful not to lose it right off the bat. On the other hand, well, who knows? You might get lucky.

When will your first opportunity be for a raise? Six months? A year?

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In today's market, just be glad you have a job, chances of improving your situation are maybe1:1000.

Chances of being sorry you said something 99:100.

But don't stop at not saying anything, find the inner strength to be truly pleased with the opportunity you have, because if you aren't you will never get all you can out of the opportunities you will have.

No one year of your career will make or break it, decide where you want to be in 10years, and start working toward that now, it will make it a lot easier to be happy in your present situation knowing you have a very bright future.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

"...No one year of your career will make or break it, decide where you want to be in 10years, and start working toward that now, it will make it a lot easier to be happy in your present situation knowing you have a very bright future."

This is a good advice. you probably feel unfair to get lower pay than your peers, but setting up your future goals and work toward to it will compensate that feeling. You will have peace in you that money can't buy.

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Specializes in Med Surge, Tele, Oncology, Wound Care.

Personally I wouldnt say anything either just now.

Maybe,

Wait until you have a review, after they see your job performance (because you are new) and maybe ask then.

You more than likely already signed the papers agreeing on the wage and I think it would be in your best interest to accept what you already took and just do your job. Like others said its a tough market out there. My friend who has been a nurse for 5 years hasnt worked since Feb 2010!

I mean who's to say that your friends are even being honest, because that is pretty good for a new grad.

Good luck!

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Have you already signed everything? Even if you have you could still ask to re-visit the issue but you will have more leeway if you haven't signed on. If they state they won't raie it now ask if it can addressed again in 6 months and if they agree have it in writing in your contract. I'd ask beause it is low for your area.

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Specializes in Surgical/ Trauma critical care.

For a RN I think it's low but if you are LPN in CT is probably average I'm sure you can find places that pay you a little bit more it is up to you if you want to risk losing this job and look somewhere else but I do not think you can now renegotiate your pay I think is a liitle late after you already accepted the job

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tell your friends to show you their pay stubs!!! make a copy delete all the personal information and take it to HR ...... thats what i would do

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and if they dont move you up apply at their hospitals or ltc centers

because if your not happy with your pay, you will never be happy there, you will always want to leave , at least for me thats the way it works

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