Asking for a pay raise

[Jo89, LPN]

I had a very small pay raise during my one year review at my company. It’s been about a year and a half now and since then I’ve been accepted to an RN program. I also feel like I am being underpaid compared to the pay rate in the surrounding area. My question is do I go directly to HR or I do I have to meet with my DON first? 

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Follow the chain of command for a raise request. The first person to approach would be your manager, use that person as an advocate for pushing for a raise as long as they are on board with the raise being appropriate of course. From there the request goes to the DON, who approaches the administrator who pushes the request to HR who then has the final say.   Unless you have a good reason for leaving one or more of those people out of the loop your odds are better if you follow the chain.

Have your ducks in a row before asking. Be prepared with a solid argument for why a raise is deserved and have a number in mind to ask for. Don't use the argument of what other people in your facility are getting paid if there are disparities you know of but it is OK to bring up market rates if you feel you are under  the standard wage in you area. Don't use the threat of leaving if you don't get a raise unless you are prepared to follow through and actually put in your notice if the answer is no.  Good luck on your quest!