Asking for a Raise Because I'm Losing Night Shift Differential

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I've been employed at my job for 25 years, a nurse for 21 years and an assistant nurse manager(charge) for 14 years. I have worked 7pm to 730pm 3 shifts per week for the last 14 years as ANM. My peer, who worked 2 day shifts and 1 night has resigned. I have been offered to work 1 day shift 7a-7p and 2 night shifts. I'm curious about position. Do you think this is the time to ask for a salary negotiation? I think I should be compensated for losing 1 night of shift differential. How would I go about asking? How much should I ask for? Thanks in advance "

Dear Wants to be Compensated,

I do think you should negotiate for a raise, but not for the reason you think. Do not ask for a raise because you are losing 1 shift's worth of night differential per week. 

If everyone who transferred from night shift to day shift expected to keep their night shift differential, then there would be no night shift differential.

When asking for a raise, highlight your value to the organization. You may undervalue yourself, not realizing your worth. You've been an assistant nurse manager for 14 years, which is a very long time. You have a great deal of organizational knowledge and are most likely an expert at your job.

Consider these skills to get you thinking:

Are you very effective at throughput, getting patients discharged out of your unit in a timely manner? Likewise, how about pulling patients up from other units or ED? If you are especially good at this, you are worth your weight in gold, and your manager knows it. This takes a Charge Nurse who is highly cooperative and has leadership skills.

Do you have good customer service skills, preventing issues from escalating and saving your nurse manager time?

Are you active on any committees, and  do you keep your staff updated on new practices, supporting management's initiatives?

Do you have any certifications or extra training that speak to your expertise and professional development?

Think back to feedback you normally receive during your performance evaluations and from others-these are your true strengths.

Now, I don't know if you are in a unionized organization, or if you are topped out, or if you have been receiving regular raises.  But nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Make an appointment with your manager and exercise your power. Regardless of the outcome, she will respect your initiative and professionalism.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth