Asking for salary raise.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jan 7, 2015

OP, just noticed something: you said your raise would be 2% of your "monthly salary"; did you mean your annual salary (2% of your yearly pay) or only 2% of one month's pay? If the latter, I'd see it more like a bonus (at 1/12 what a normal annual raise would be, it's not much). Either way, though, it's STILL more than many!

nursefromcali · Jan 8, 2015

Thank you your responses. I really I appreciate it. I'm sorry if I sound demanding or something.. but I don't mean to be mean in that way. I'm sorry about that. What I'm trying to ask is like how can I ask for raise. And yes some of you gave me a positive way how to do it professionally. I'm not gonna tell them that if they don't raise me I will look for job. What I meant is for ex. they did my annual evaluation thingy then ask for raise in a professional way then still raise me in cents, that's time I'm going to look for other job and give them 2 weeks or a month notice like whatever notice. I've been working as a nurse since 2013, from county (dept. of public health) then now to a medical center. Maybe nursing homes is fine to me coz I heard they paid lil bit more? idk! But again thank you for all your ideas. It open my mind and think twice what kind of steps that I should do to this kind of situation :)

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2015

Ask for the raise, but outline the value that you feel you've contributed to the role first. Otherwise, they will say no if they feel you're making demands. There's 50 applicants who will accept your position tomorrow, and for lower than you're getting.

It's an employer's market.

mtngrl, ASN, RN · Jan 8, 2015

I'm confused because aren't they offering raises at your evaluation? Are you saying you will ask for more than they offer? Past couple years the nurses at my place of employment all get the same 2% raise. So I reckon that is the norm.

brandy1017, ASN, RN · Jan 8, 2015

I haven't called off sick in two years, am NEVER late (usually an hour early), have earned a BSN and AACN certification in the last year.. My raise? Zip. Zilch. Nada. I'd be thrilled with pretty much anything.

Job hopping has become the best way to increase your pay. There is no longer any real incentive to stay at one employer. Raises are low if you get one and benefits keep getting worse and most don't have pensions anymore. Where I live only one hospital system still has a pension the rest either retired theirs or never had one in the first place.

Unless you are totally happy and content where you are you should always be open to job hopping. Plus just getting out and interviewing helps keep you confident and current so if you needed to get another job due to a layoff you would be ready! Eventually people usually settle down into one place due to habit and convenience. Starting over can be stressful, starting with all the interview hoops and then starting over where you don't know anyone. Still especially when you are new it is a good idea to look around and try to find a better job if you can.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Jan 8, 2015

You could go into your evaluation and see what your supervisor has to say about your work. I would then say that in light of your strong work ethic (and bring up any and all "projects" you have done for the unit, any training that you do, and certifications that you have) and experience, that you would like to ask for $_____ more an hour, to bring you in line with what other RN's in the area with the same experience are making, and that you would like to negotiate a pay raise.

The worst that they can say is "no". However, if you are wanting a raise, you need to outline exactly what it is that you do that warrants the same. I hate to say it, but if you outline cost cutting measures, you are golden!! In all seriousness, what do you do that goes above and beyond? What is the average salary of RN's in your area? Do you get differentials? Are you union?

But be realistic. If other RN's in the area are making $28.00 an hour, and you are at $26.50, I would expect that you would not be approved for a raise to $30.00 an hour.

And it is fine to go where the money is. But if you love your job, it is a great atmosphere and the hours are really good, then it may just be worth it to stay put. Because even $2.00 more an hour means nothing if you are miserable.

Best Wishes

RNperdiem, RN · Jan 8, 2015

If you are looking for higher pay, you might look for a new job, clinic work pays less.

There are nurses willing to take a pay cut to have a more regular schedule and (hopefully) a less stressful job.

Better paying jobs are out there; prepare to earn every dollar more.