Other people's ?s about your salary...

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in L&D, Mother/Baby.

What do you say when people (non-nurses and people who have no business asking) ask how much money you make? I just graduated and got a job at a prestigious hospital and lots of people are curious and I'm not comfortable telling everyone--especially when I lose so much to taxes! It may sound like a lot but it's not and I'm going still going to be on a serious budget in order to pay off my loans! Please share how you respond to these invasive inquiries...

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Memorize this, and use when needed: Smile pleasantly, and say, "I'm sorry, but I prefer not to talk about my salary."

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

Before I tell them what I make, I inform them that it took 12 years to reach that level, and I tell them what 3 or 4 12 hour shifts per week are like in the ER with no breaks. When I then tell my pay, everyone says "you are worth it".

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After they ask me I say, "You go first!" Stops 'em dead in their tracks!

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After they ask me I say, "You go first!" Stops 'em dead in their tracks!

HA HA! Love it!!:D

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Just say that you prefer not to discuss your salary. If they persist, then give them an icy stare and ask, "Now why would you want to know such personal information?" Sometimes you have to answer rudeness with rudeness. :eek:

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I am happy to say no one has ever had the nerve to ask me how much I make. Maybe because all my friends/family know they make more, lol. You've gotten good advice and as with anything if something makes you feel uncomfortable you do not have to do it, answer it etc.

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Specializes in Oncology, Research.

I have told people that if they really want to know they can google it. Unfortunately, I work for the state and thanks to our legislators and their infinite wisdom all state employees salaries are published under the sunshine law.

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When asked this rude question, my reply always is, "NOT ENOUGHT!!" End of questions usually.:D

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I'm usually quite willing to discuss nursing salaries. I have nothing to hide -- and the public needs to be educated about the realities of nursing. Having it all be "hush-hush" doesn't help us in our struggle for better compensation and working conditions.

... but I usually accompany my answer with an expectation that they share the same information about their industry, too.

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Specializes in Hospice, LTC.
:yeah: Well said!
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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
After they ask me I say, "You go first!" Stops 'em dead in their tracks!

Love this response, and I'd probably use it if I were ever asked that question.

I'm sorry, but adults with even the barest mimimum awareness of social nieceties should know better than to ask that.

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