Let me start off by saying that I am new to the profession, newly minted and so naive! I recently got asked how much I make an hour and though I didn't give the exact amount I came pretty close to the actual amount.
I feel so stupid for disclosing what is none of the other person's business. My fault is that I am too nice, too obliging, a perfect target. Now that this more experienced nurse (20+ years) knows, there's not telling what will happen next. Word travels fast and I am not sure of the repercussions, if any. Why are some people so nosy and not afraid to ask personal questions? Why do us new nurses seem to be the perfect target and what can we do differently so as not to be taken advantage in this manner or any other manner?
Am I making a big deal out of nothing? How could I possibly make this better? Now I know what I should have said but it is SO like me to be a push-over and answer most questions. I tend to want to please people, especially my co-workers so to be on their good side, I've answered most every question thrown my way.
As you repeatedly point out in your post, OP, this has zero to do with pay, "new nurses" or nursing in general. This is about your need to develop some boundaries and some backbone.
It is important to see the trends of pay. This will allow a more experienced nurse the right to petition management for a higher pay rate or find new employment else where. I have seen it happen many times where a new grad was making more money than an experienced nurse just bc the new hire rates had been inflated to overshadow years of experience. It is only fair of an employer to compensate the experienced nurse or that nurse should consider finding new work or even leaving and then coming back a year later to now make even more.
It is antiquated to be so reserved about keeping pay rates so close. Nurses need to protect themselves from the above mentioned situations. That is the right thing to do.
On the other hand, if you do not feel comfortable disclosing that information then say just that. Water off a duck's back.
Just beware the day when u train/orient a new grad who makes $1-$2 more per hour than yourself. However, you might never know if you don't ask. Ignorance might be bliss.
I agree, it's no one else's business what your salary is. That is why I think threads on here started with the title, "What is Your Salary", are rude and totally unprofessional. Next time tell them, with a grin, lots!
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Dear fellow nurses,
Let me start off by saying that I am new to the profession, newly minted and so naive! I recently got asked how much I make an hour and though I didn't give the exact amount I came pretty close to the actual amount.
I feel so stupid for disclosing what is none of the other person's business. My fault is that I am too nice, too obliging, a perfect target. Now that this more experienced nurse (20+ years) knows, there's not telling what will happen next. Word travels fast and I am not sure of the repercussions, if any. Why are some people so nosy and not afraid to ask personal questions? Why do us new nurses seem to be the perfect target and what can we do differently so as not to be taken advantage in this manner or any other manner?
Am I making a big deal out of nothing? How could I possibly make this better? Now I know what I should have said but it is SO like me to be a push-over and answer most questions. I tend to want to please people, especially my co-workers so to be on their good side, I've answered most every question thrown my way.
*sigh
Advice?
Please and thanks
Why are you assuming that she's going to use that information for ill? What does her level of experience have to do with anything? How are you being targeted or taken advantage of?
Learn how to pleasantly set boundaries. Practice at home if you need to.
The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) is pretty specific. Employers cannot prevent employees from discussing their salary among themselves. This is because NLRA is a 'bill of rights' for organized labor, and prohibiting employees from discussing pertinent labor issues could prevent them from organizing. They can impose certain restrictions like - no discussions during work hours but cannot just prohibit it. BUT - this is important - they can prohibit employees from divulging salary information with anyone outside the organization.... and they can fire you for violating this.
Here is a life lesson I was given at a young age from a wise coworker. Whenever someone asks you a question such as this (something personal or wildly inappropriate) turn it back around on them. Example " How much money do you make an hour" response: " Why, how much do YOU make? " and then watch them fumble because they do not want to answer. Then use their non answer as your non answer. If they DO answer, keep asking questions until they stop. Eventually they will run away.
Sounds silly, but it works. Now that I am old and crabby, I use a more direct approach. More like, none of your business and that is not an appropriate question. But well, the first approach works pretty well, I used it for years.
Welcome to the nursing profession. I understand how you feel about feeling obligated to answer every question asked of you. However, I think that it would a good practice not to discuss salary at work. You can simply state that you have a policy of not speaking about salary at work. It eliminates others comparing your salary to theirs and any hostile feelings or competition surrounding pay. I hope that this helps.
I agree, it's no one else's business what your salary is. That is why I think threads on here started with the title, "What is Your Salary", are rude and totally unprofessional. Next time tell them, with a grin, lots!
Why do you think generic salary posts here are rude and unprofessional? This site is fairly anonymous, and you can choose which threads to post on. Here, it is generally an educational question so that people can assess how to negotiate starting salary and assess long term earning potential.
I always found it a little odd regarding talking to others and comparing pay. I grew up hearing that was a 'no-no', but at the same time, I almost feel like that not talking about it prevents people from realising that they are being held back or what not. It protects the employers more than us. I realise that I'm not in the majority here
I always found it a little odd regarding talking to others and comparing pay. I grew up hearing that was a 'no-no', but at the same time, I almost feel like that not talking about it prevents people from realising that they are being held back or what not. It protects the employers more than us. I realise that I'm not in the majority here
I agree. I figure my pay is my business. If I wish to share that with others, that should be up to me. The only party that benefits from keeping pay a secret is the employer.
Since we're union and if you know how long someone has been employed there, you don't even have to ask, you could just look it up in our union handbook.
Altra, BSN, RN
6,255 Posts
As you repeatedly point out in your post, OP, this has zero to do with pay, "new nurses" or nursing in general. This is about your need to develop some boundaries and some backbone.