Coworker starting out making more per hr as a new nurse than me. Should I be angry?

[Dialysis RN, ASN]

I was a dialysis technician for 10 years before I got my nursing license almost 2 years ago. Fresenius offered me $32 per hr to which I asked for more and they wouldn't budge past $34 per hr. I then went PRN with the company to work at Shands Hospital to see how I would like it (during that time, Fresenius "took me out of the system" without telling me. So they terminated me d/t not being up to date on LMS). After working at Shands for about 4 months, I realized a hospital setting was not for me and I asked my boss at Fresenius if they still had room for me and I was hired back on as a dialysis nurse again. They offered me $36 per hr this time and wouldn't budge past that. Now, 2 years into having my nursing license, I'm making $36.94 per hr. A coworker and friend of mine that has been a dialysis technician for 8 years just got her nursing license and they are offering her $36.64 per hour and currently negotiating with her and may be offer her more. Should I be as angry as I am about this? I have done nothing but bust my tail at this job working long hours, upwards to 14 or 15 hr shifts. I am happy for my friend but it's just crazy to me! 

[RickythePickle]

Your feelings are valid 

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

I think that's unfortunately not unheard of in non-union settings. In such cases, one would hope a manager would care enough about all employees to not allow this. Unfortunately this non-transparency about salaries is used to the manager's advantage in "balancing" the cost and even favoring some employees over others.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Yes, your feelings about that are entirely appropriate. If you don't choose to show your displeasure by leaving the job use it to advocate for yourself when the annual wage review window opens which will be in a few months and ask for a larger bump in pay at that time.  Don't bring up wage comparing at that time, talk up your performance and all that you bring to the table and tell them you feel you are worth more.

A similar situation happened to me in my former job, I found out a brand new grad nurse was making $0.25/hr less than me and I had been there 25 years.  I left when they wouldn't give me what I wanted.

[integrativenurse]

Understandably you should be upset. Although it's difficult to find jobs these days but you try broadening your horizon thus making yourself more marketable. 

If we're all going to be honest, dialysis job is for ones who have been through different specialties and ready to settle down.

I really wish you the best of luck!