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.
Of course this whole scenario would be different if your were under a union. I never have to wonder what everyone is making because it is in the contract.
I find this interesting because union contracts are the norm for Canadian nurses. Pay scales are published. Even many non union positions post their pay rates. It's just not an issue.
However, you are not obligated to discuss anything you don't want to discuss. Just politely change the subject. Some people are too focused on other people's lives.
I find this inappropriate but as weird as it may sound some people don't see the problem with asking personal questions, I think humor is good in these type of awkward situations, you can reciprocate before answering saying (w a smirk) "Why? how much do you make?"
if theyre too uncomfortable to say then they should understand your feelings to not share
I'd like to point out that keeping salaries confidential benefits the employer because it weakens our bargaining power for salaries and raises when we don't know where we stack up. So while I don't talk about my salary at work, it has nothing to do with it being "inappropriate" or a bad idea and is solely because I don't want to get my hand smacked by management.
Concerning pay in general, I'm at two minds about this. The first is yes people should keep it private especially from coworkers who are just being nosy or envious. However, the second is, how else can one discover if they are being equally compensated for the work they do? This has and still is a huge problem for women getting equal pay and I think the big "hush hush" about it is part of what is keeping the problem suppressed. Many women do the exact same same job as men without even knowing that the man might be getter paid more. And of course with companies adding in these clauses is makes it that much difficult. It should be a personal choice.
One of my first nursing jobs I was told not to share to others what my hourly pay was because I was making more than several other nurses. I did that for a while, but then overheard some others talking about their pay and realized I was NOT getting paid more than anyone there, I was the least paid, and it wasn't by just a little bit either.
I have found that it does not always "pay" to be loyal to the same employer. Nurses can cross state lines, even the street, and make ALOT more money, get better working conditions, benefits, ect. And we wonder why turnover is so high.
Next time don't answer if you feel uncomfortable with sharing. Discussing pay rates at work can cause a big fuss amongst employees. My facility is currently adjusting all the nurses pay rates bc the experienced nurses found out the new grads are started out at more than they make. We were sitting around discussing raises and one nurse said she got $3, one said she got $1, and one said she didn't get a raise at all. They all had about the same amount of experience and were hired around the same time. Now of course every one is wondering every one's base rate. I was curious enough to ask a new grad what the new grad starting pay was and she didnt tell me. I haven't even discussed numbers with my closest friends at wrk. I'm too nervous that they make more than me and then I'll be ******. I would probably start looking for another job if I found out others with the same experience and qualifications were started out more than me.
I believe that this is exactly why it SHOULD be discussed. Management wants to keep it under wraps so that they can continue to pay everyone as little as possible. If all of you knew what everyone else was making it would make it so much easier for you to negotiate your base rate and your raises. Not to mention that if you had a union this would not have even happened.
Specializes in Trauma-Surgical, Case Management, Clinic.
I believe that this is exactly why it SHOULD be discussed. Management wants to keep it under wraps so that they can continue to pay everyone as little as possible. If all of you knew what everyone else was making it would make it so much easier for you to negotiate your base rate and your raises. Not to mention that if you had a union this would not have even happened.
I agree with you in a perfect world but I honestly believe if ppl start poking and discussing pay and going management about unfair pay they would find ways to slowly get rid of us for rocky the boat. A nurse is a dime a dozen. Plenty of qualified nurses ready to take my place and accept my pay rate or lower.
I agree with you in a perfect world but I honestly believe if ppl start poking and discussing pay and going management about unfair pay they would find ways to slowly get rid of us for rocky the boat. A nurse is a dime a dozen. Plenty of qualified nurses ready to take my place and accept my pay rate or lower.
I agree with you in a perfect world but I honestly believe if ppl start poking and discussing pay and going management about unfair pay they would find ways to slowly get rid of us for rocky the boat. A nurse is a dime a dozen. Plenty of qualified nurses ready to take my place and accept my pay rate or lower.
I get what you're saying, but understand that the fear you are expressing is EXACTLY the state of mind that management wants you in! If you are satisfied with what you make that's great. I just hate to see anyone fearful of discussing something that they have a right to discuss because they think they might lose their job.
loriangel14, RN
6,933 Posts
Of course this whole scenario would be different if your were under a union. I never have to wonder what everyone is making because it is in the contract.