Asking For A Raise

[Dr.Naija_Glam]

I've been at my current job for almost a year, and my yearly evaluation is coming up. I'm wanting to ask for a $6,000 dollar raise because I have had to take on a few duties that weren't discussed in my interview. I work in pediatric pulm, and have had to see patients in the weight management clinic. I also have been working one weekend day a month for the last 6 months and will continue to do so. Our department has been expanding, and the extra duties just came along with it.

I'd like to add that I really like my job overall. I just feel that the extra duties warrant an increase in my salary, higher than the annual 2.5% raise that we receive. Has anyone ever asked for a raise? How did it go? I don't know anyone who has asked for a raise, or is willing to admit that they asked

[Jules A, MSN]

I've asked for and gotten many increases but I work several jobs so most times I've piggybacked on the next job I get which always pays more than the previous one. When I tell them I'm making more at my newest job most match without me even asking. If there is any way you can establish what others in your specialty make at different practices thats always helpful but don't try to bluff because they will check. If you know and its credible use it. Its very unfortunate that your colleagues won't offer suggestions or their experiences regarding wages and asking for raises. Don't be that way too, if we don't share salary information it only supports the cheap employers and allows us to be taken advantage of, imo.

Your list of additional duties is an excellent way to approach them and not at all whiney so that will hopefully support your request. The weekend duties should be worth a premium. The entire amount you are asking works out to only $250 extra per weekend shift over the course of a year and in my area weekends are worth 20%-30% premium on wages so they are still probably making out on that deal.

I'd consider what you will do if they refuse. I've always been prepared to walk if they were to refuse my requested increase because I'd be miserable if I felt I wasn't earning what I feel I'm worth but I have quite a few jobs so I don't get too attached to a particular location. Best of luck to you it sure sounds like you deserve a raise.

[Dr.Naija_Glam]

Thanks for your input Jules, I have NP friends, but we don't work in the same organization. We are open with our salaries. The NPs I do work with aren't very open in regards to salary unfortunately. I never considered being payed at a premium for weekend shifts. I am willing to stick around if they refuse, because the benefits are great and I like the 4 day a week schedule. I am on very good terms with my manager, so I figure things won't be to awkward. I'll keep you posted!

[Dr.Naija_Glam]

Jules, based on your advice, I decided to ask for 10K more instead of 6K.......and my manager agreed!!!!

I gave a thorough rationale as to why I deserved the raise. Thank you for your advice.

[Jules A, MSN]

Excellent news! Kudos for having the courage to present your worth and require an appropriate wage. Thanks for keeping us posted.

[flowingoan]

Any tips for a new grad FNP starting in outpatient pedi pulmonary? I have 3 weeks to my start date, so I'm going to brush up on the basics of asthma, cystic fibrosis etc. My background is 6+ years in pedi onc so this is def different for me!

[Dr.Naija_Glam]

Hi flowingoan! It's a good idea to review asthma and cf. Also become familiar with spirometry and pulm meds. Will you be reviewing chest x-rays? If so, I'm sure your employer will have you shadow with someone who reviews them regularly.

[missdeevah, NP]

Congrats on the raise Dr. Naija, and for having the guts to ask for what you feel you deserve!