Co-worker asked how much I make an hour

[coffeeSTAT]

Dear fellow nurses,

Let me start off by saying that I am new to the profession, newly minted and so naive! I recently got asked how much I make an hour and though I didn't give the exact amount I came pretty close to the actual amount.

I feel so stupid for disclosing what is none of the other person's business. My fault is that I am too nice, too obliging, a perfect target. Now that this more experienced nurse (20+ years) knows, there's not telling what will happen next. Word travels fast and I am not sure of the repercussions, if any. Why are some people so nosy and not afraid to ask personal questions? Why do us new nurses seem to be the perfect target and what can we do differently so as not to be taken advantage in this manner or any other manner?

Am I making a big deal out of nothing? How could I possibly make this better? Now I know what I should have said but it is SO like me to be a push-over and answer most questions. I tend to want to please people, especially my co-workers so to be on their good side, I've answered most every question thrown my way.

*sigh

Advice?

Please and thanks

[lovenotwar14]

Why was she asking. I don't think its that big of a deal but remember if people want to know You have the right to ask why they want to know. So next time someone asks something you don't really want to answer jusg say: "I'm not sure, why?"

If tbe reason is not enough for you to disclose your personal business. Dont. Its really isn't anyone's business but yours

[loriangel14, RN]

Why do you think there would be repercussions? What do you mean by " what will happen next"? You didn't do anything wrong. You just answered a question.

Next time just laugh and say " not nearly enough".

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

Some places (maybe even most) have policies about disclosing your rate to other employees. I like to compare, but I try to be indirect (although still very obvious). I might tell them that I heard another nurse with the same qualifications as me started at $xx.oo an hour. I won't directly say what I make, though.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

I miss the good old days when asking another person what they're paid would be considered a huge faux pas.

When faced with an inapropriate question, I usually just say "I'm not telling you that". With a smile of course.

[amoLucia]

Rule of thumb - don't discuss pay rates, yours or others, at work. Management usually frowns upon this.

As for the experienced nurse asking, I bet she's curious about new nurse rates as compared to the older experienced nurse rates. She may be disgruntled about the two rates, esp if she's comparing her rate with yours. My guess there may not be too much difference and that's why her britches are in a knot. Esp if she's looking for ammo to go to management to request/contest her pay rate.

When I've been asked, I just politely reply that I'd rather not discuss it. Many staff know not to ask.

And for the future, remember that you don't owe anyone any info. Some people are just downright nosey and rude. They love to know all the scoop & gossip. Avoid them.

[RNewbie]

Next time don't answer if you feel uncomfortable with sharing. Discussing pay rates at work can cause a big fuss amongst employees. My facility is currently adjusting all the nurses pay rates bc the experienced nurses found out the new grads are started out at more than they make. We were sitting around discussing raises and one nurse said she got $3, one said she got $1, and one said she didn't get a raise at all. They all had about the same amount of experience and were hired around the same time. Now of course every one is wondering every one's base rate. I was curious enough to ask a new grad what the new grad starting pay was and she didnt tell me. I haven't even discussed numbers with my closest friends at wrk. I'm too nervous that they make more than me and then I'll be ******. I would probably start looking for another job if I found out others with the same experience and qualifications were started out more than me.

[caliotter3]

A coworker who had just graduated and just got hired, told me her pay rate one time. You can bet your sweet bippy I was incensed to find out she was being paid $5 an hour more than me, who had been told that all people with the same license were being paid the same. When I went to the employer to get this situation rectified, they just blew me off with a false excuse and then I started getting less and less work. They just don't care to hear valid complaints and use your grievances as an excuse to fade you out of the picture. Luckily for me, I moved away. I just don't think I could have put up with the repeated insult every time I received a paycheck and saw my rate of pay. I always wondered just how many other people who were hired after me were getting paid more than me while I played the fool.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Next time, I would say "enough to put food on my table, and for that I am thankful" and leave it at that.

Or, "I make it a point not to discuss pay, politics, or my addiction to trash TV....wink wink......"

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Many facilities actually have it in their policies to not discuss your pay....they make it a confidentiality clause. Older nurses know this and she should not have asked you.

I would just laugh it of and say I am happy to have a job in these economic times...I'm sorry but.....I make it a habit to keep my personal stuff personal.

[LaRN]

. if you dont want to share the info, just say you can't remember, or change the subject. I dont think its an issue of being nosy, b/c most nurses like to make sure they're getting a fair deal , and sometimes the only way to gauge that is to find out how much others are getting. It's not about you, its about the money.

[WillyNilly]

I've been asked and I freely answer "when I graduated the base pay for xxxx hospital is xx dollars for new grads" I don't tell them I make more than base pay. I've only shared with one person.

If you are uncomfortable I would say "I don't discuss religion, finances or politics at work" and leave it alone.