Dream Job Offer - Horrible Pay Offer

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Specializes in LTAC, Wound Care, Case Management.

I'm at a loss. I finally got the job at the hospital I've wanted since I became a nurse. I have my year of nursing experience and they called yesterday to offer me a job. The pay rate is so low, I can't afford to take the job. I can afford everything except child care. But as an LPN, it's so hard to get into the hospitals ... let alone the job you really really want; how do I turn that down?!?! This job would be an excellent step in the right direction for my career. It makes sense in all ways, except the pay.

I want to try and negotiate the rate. How flexible are hospitals with the payrate in the Tampa area. I realize hospitals do not pay as much as nursing homes. I didn't expect to make what I make now since I have a Baylor position. Right now, I do not have child care expenses. There will be at minimum 2 certifications I will need to get shortly after starting to be effective in my position. Do hospitals typically pay more once you get certifications? Do hospitals agree to pay a higher hourly rate if you agree to work for them for a certain period of time (for example signing a 2 year contract or something similar)? What negotiating room do I have to get the hourly rate increased? Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly apprecaited. I really want this job opportunity, but have no idea how to get it done and still have money left over each month.

:confused:

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I think your mind is not wrapping around the fact that hospitals generally pay lower than LTC facilities. You have become used to the higher rate of pay. Frankly you need to figure this out. Or you will lose a good opportunity and be stuck in LTC. I don't think you can negotiate in these times.

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To make up the difference in pay, stay on at your present job for X number of shifts or go to a home health agency and do X number of shifts.

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Specializes in LTAC, Wound Care, Case Management.
I think your mind is not wrapping around the fact that hospitals generally pay lower than LTC facilities. You have become used to the higher rate of pay. Frankly you need to figure this out. Or you will lose a good opportunity and be stuck in LTC. I don't think you can negotiate in these times.

I didn't expect to make what I'm making now ... especially having a Baylor position, but (based on what I've heard other brand new nurses making), I did expect it to be about $1.50-$2 per hour more. I do work with an agency and am hoping I can secure my "orientation/training" during the week so I can keep my weekend gig until they put me in the full weekend rotation.

I just need advise from other nurses. My husband looks at the dollar amount and the paycut. Although he says he understands, I don't think he fully understands how nurses can get trapped in LTC. Thank you for your input. I really want to take this job. It's also MUCH closer to my house! That's gotta account for something!!

:eek: This is how I feel trying to make this decision ... LOL

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You know about getting trapped in LTC and you also know about LPNs not getting jobs in hospitals and that hospital experience will go a lot further in getting your career on track than LTC will. You need to talk to your husband and make him understand. And you need to get going on bridging to RN, because you don't want any ultimatums in the near future to catch you by surprise after you accept the hospital job. Good luck getting him to see the wisdom in taking this opportunity now.

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I think that when a "dream job" or opportunity opens up, you need to take it! It might pay less in the short term, but your quality of life and job satisfaction will be better. And once you get into the hospital you may be able to move to something better or a higher paying position. Are the benefits comparable? Is there any OT avail? WHat are the scheduled raises? How long would you be at the lower rate?

I would call the HR people that made the job offer and tell them that you are very interested but trying to work out the pay cut situation and see if they are willing to negotiate. It cannot hurt to give it a try, and if they say no, I would still take the job.

Don't let opportunity pass you buy! DO NOT get stuck at a job you do not like because of the money thing. I made that mistake for 6 years, happieniess and job satisfaction is so important! I had to sell my car and get an old one to make this new career work,as well as cut back on almost everything and I don't regret it for a second!

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Specializes in LTAC, Wound Care, Case Management.
I think that when a "dream job" or opportunity opens up, you need to take it! It might pay less in the short term, but your quality of life and job satisfaction will be better. And once you get into the hospital you may be able to move to something better or a higher paying position. Are the benefits comparable? Is there any OT avail? WHat are the scheduled raises? How long would you be at the lower rate?

I would call the HR people that made the job offer and tell them that you are very interested but trying to work out the pay cut situation and see if they are willing to negotiate. It cannot hurt to give it a try, and if they say no, I would still take the job.

Don't let opportunity pass you buy! DO NOT get stuck at a job you do not like because of the money thing. I made that mistake for 6 years, happieniess and job satisfaction is so important! I had to sell my car and get an old one to make this new career work,as well as cut back on almost everything and I don't regret it for a second!

Thank you! I've left a voicemail from the gal in HR. I do have a few questions to see what I may be able to work out. If I can't work out a pay increase right now, I'm still going to take the job. I really want this job and have wanted this job since nursing school. Thank you for your insight. It's hard to talk with a hubby who is a computer guy, not a medical guy, he doesn't understand the big picture unless it's right in front of him. This opportunity has so many benefits and the only negative is the money!! Thank you again!! I feel better about making this decision despite my husband's hestancy!!

:redbeathe:nurse:

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I am so excited for you! Take the job that you have always wanted!

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Specializes in LTAC, Wound Care, Case Management.

I took the job!!! I'm so excitedly nervous!! Start later this month! Very excited. Gonna see if they will allow me to "train" during the week so I can keep my weekend gig for a bit. Just to bank some extra money. It will be a paycut, but it will pay in the end. My options just opened immensely!

Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I really needed to hear the things you said and it made me feel more confident in my decision. It's hard when you are in a situation to see the big picture! I see it!! Thank you so much!!

:redbeathe:nurse::yeah:

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Specializes in Home Care.

:clpty:congratulations!!

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Wonderful news, although the pay is lower, most hospitals give Paid time off, tuition reimbursement, some will give a differential for the certification and pay for the certification. Best of luck and enjoy.

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Specializes in LTAC, Wound Care, Case Management.

Thank you! It will have full benefits, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement (all of which my other job doesn't have). They will pay for the certifications, but there isn't a differential for them ... the benefits far outweigh the cons. I'm getting more and more excited as I talk about it!!

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