Co-worker asked how much I make an hour

Nurses Relations

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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 :o

Glad to work in a union facility... Everybody knows what everybody makes, if they care to look at the contract.

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At my workplace, new grads are paid a starting wage between 18-24 an hour. Imagine the fallout when a new grad making 18 finds out someone else is making 24. I'd be mad if it were me. Usually the ones who make more are related to someone. Actually that is how most new grads are hired where I work.

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Thanks everyone. In hindsight I should've avoided answering the question however what's done is done. When I said 'repercussions' I was referring to someone else overhearing (quite possible b/c of the layout of where the conversation took place). The lady that asked me thanked me for telling her and offered up her yearly salary (over $145k b/c of overtime pay) to which I was quite simply flabbergasted. Supposedly we are having budget cuts and yet our nursing department seems to think that paying someone over 145k is a good thing. Meanwhile our techs have a ratio that ranges from 9:1 on a good day to 16:1 on a bad one.

And someone mentioned 'bullying' ?? Ok .. don't know where that came from but it made me laugh, cause in no way did I even mention it ha ha.

Thanks everyone else for your helpful advice! ;)

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I don't get the "hiding" of what people make. It promotes companies to underpay, not give raises, etc, since workers don't talk. That's why some places have policies, because it benefits them for you not to know. I wouldn't broadcast my pay but if a coworker asks I'll say what are you paid? And we'll exchange the info. I can understand not wanting people know your salary, but it personally doesn't bother me because I'm paid what I'm paid by the facility and that's just a fact.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Float Pool Nursing.

I am in agreement. I know at least three nurses newer than me whose first raise put them at a higher rate of pay than myself, in spite of being experienced nurse myself. Ridiculous...

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Specializes in Hospice.

"WHAT!? You guys do this for money? I thought it was all volunteer!" :woot: Then I just walk away.

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Specializes in Home Health, Podiatry, Neurology, Case Mgmt.
I am in agreement. I know at least three nurses newer than me whose first raise put them at a higher rate of pay than myself, in spite of being experienced nurse myself. Ridiculous...

How about this for you...I'm a case manager, RN...we also utilize LPN case managers...much to my surprise, I've been there a year and will attain my BSN in December, only to find out the LPNs and the RN's make the SAME SALARY! and I don't get a pay raise for my BSN either...blah

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Rule of thumb - don't discuss pay rates, yours or others, at work. Management usually frowns upon this.

As for the experienced nurse asking, I bet she's curious about new nurse rates as compared to the older experienced nurse rates. She may be disgruntled about the two rates, esp if she's comparing her rate with yours. My guess there may not be too much difference and that's why her britches are in a knot. Esp if she's looking for ammo to go to management to request/contest her pay rate.

When I've been asked, I just politely reply that I'd rather not discuss it. Many staff know not to ask.

And for the future, remember that you don't owe anyone any info. Some people are just downright nosey and rude. They love to know all the scoop & gossip. Avoid them.

Have you ever asked yourself WHY management "FROWNS" on discussion of pay rates?

1.) management is afraid of the peons discussing this because manage

ment screws up all the time regarding in -house inequality.

2.) This is not Nazi Germany , nurses are allowed to discuss whatever they so desire!

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I don't get the "hiding" of what people make. It promotes companies to underpay, not give raises, etc, since workers don't talk. That's why some places have policies, because it benefits them for you not to know. I wouldn't broadcast my pay but if a coworker asks I'll say what are you paid? And we'll exchange the info. I can understand not wanting people know your salary, but it personally doesn't bother me because I'm paid what I'm paid by the facility and that's just a fact.

I agree. An open door policy about pay/salary only creates a better environment for employees. Yes it's uncomfortable! However, it is an art finding out delicate information.

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Specializes in ICU, OR.

Although it is inappropriate to ask this, it's usually not confidential what new grads make at a facility. She could have called HR and asked herself. IT should be the same exact rate for all new grad RNs. It should also be a scale for how many years of experience. At least that is how it is most of the time, at most places I have worked.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
I recently got asked how much I make an hour

And if you are wise you will never disclose that, as it's only has the potential to cause trouble.

If you make more than the person who is asking, they're going to wonder why and may be resentful towards you--a new grad, no less!--for making more than than they are.

If you make less than the person asking, it may be YOU who is resentful and wondering why, especially if the asker has experience comparable to yours.

I'd be very vague about the amount ("oh, 20-something/30-something, I don't remember"), or refuse to answer the question. You can outright say that you don't discuss salaries, or crib another poster's idea and say "enough" or "not enough" and leave it at that.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Thanks everyone. In hindsight I should've avoided answering the question however what's done is done. When I said 'repercussions' I was referring to someone else overhearing (quite possible b/c of the layout of where the conversation took place). The lady that asked me thanked me for telling her and offered up her yearly salary (over $145k b/c of overtime pay) to which I was quite simply flabbergasted. Supposedly we are having budget cuts and yet our nursing department seems to think that paying someone over 145k is a good thing. Meanwhile our techs have a ratio that ranges from 9:1 on a good day to 16:1 on a bad one.

And someone mentioned 'bullying' ?? Ok .. don't know where that came from but it made me laugh, cause in no way did I even mention it ha ha.

Thanks everyone else for your helpful advice! ;)

If she has all that exp. and wants to work tons of OT, I say good for her for making that wage.

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