Can anything help with new grad pay?

quakerkid · Apr 14, 2008

From what I have seen, new grad pay is anywhere from $21 to $24 an hour, with differentials and what not, but I am wondering if there is any room for negotiations for new grads in Washington? Do grades count? Higher pay for BSN vs. ADN?
Also, what are opportunities for nurses with their MSN?
If anyone has any tips or whatnot please share! :)
Also...contract nursing? Is this the same as travel nursing? Has anyone heard of new grad pay being between $28-$32?

Candiceena,

I don't live in Washington - but I think there are some generalizations which apply everywhere. Here in Boston, there are several things which influence new-graduate pay:

1. Unions (starting pay is higher)

2. Academic teaching hospitals vs. community hospitals (my understanding is that the community hospitals actually start a little higher)

3. Pre-RN experience. (Though unlikely, it never hurts to ask if your EMT/LPN/etc. experience could start you out at a higher rate)

4. Urban/Rural (If what you really want the highest per/hour wage - move to NYC, or L.A., or San Francisco - just remember, your cost of living will change as well...)

5. Differentials (While I start lower, my hospital's diffs are much higher than other hospitals, I end up ahead).

Hope that helps. There are many threads which address this topic, but I think it is important to realize that pay should not always be the deciding factor. I work at an academic teaching hospital in Boston that starts several dollars less than some other hospitals in the area - but I am treated well, there are opportunities for advancement, my ratios are great, and I love and respect my co-workers.

- Nico

ukstudent · Apr 14, 2008

I don't work in Washington state, so I don't know what the new grad pay is there. However, new grad pay IS new grad pay. You might get a difference in pay (probably small) for the following conditions.

1. Past Nursing experience. This is NURSING experience, so you need to have been and LPN. Some hospitals pay a years experience as an RN for every 2 years as an LPN. No negotiation. This will change your base pay.

2. Working night shift is a set differential. No negotiation. Does not change your base pay.

3. Some places pay a differential for higher education, ASN/BSN/MSN. If they do, it will be small. No negotiation. I don't know if it changes your base pay.

So as you can see, as a new grad you don't get to negotiate pay. You do get to negotiate which floor/department you want to work in and possibly what shift. As you get experience you will then be in a position to negotiate. But at the moment you are not an asset to the organization you are a liability, they still have to train you.

You need at least 2 years experience in your specialty (and yes med/surg is one) before it is safe for you to be a traveler.