How to ask for relocation/sign-on bonus???

[scrubs2716]

Hey there,

I recently had an interview in Quincy, IL that went really well. In fact the director stated she wanted to hire me pending reference checks and that HR would contact me soon. I received an e-mail from the HR contact. She said she was sorry she couldn't meeting me personally and would call me Monday 5/19 to discuss my interview. All positive and I'm confident I'll be offered a position.

I'm a new grad RN with three years professional experience in financial forecasting. So I'm older than a traditional new grad. I'm also starting grad school next week. I've already passed NCLEX.

My question is, during the interview process they barely discussed salary. I found out by asking someone in HR that starting pay for night shift including shift differentials is around $21/hr.

When I speak to the HR contact tomorrow is it appropriate to ask about relocation assistance and sign-on bonus? Or will that turn them "off"? I've been interviewing a lot and I honestly haven't seen anyone NOT offer a sign on bonus - but other hospitals have been a lot more transparent about their pay rate and shift diff's.

Any advice?

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Not inappropriate at all. Many hospitals offer relocation expense reimbursement (which more than likely will have a cap) even if they don't offer sign on bonuses. My facility paid the $800 it cost to move my furniture from North Carolina to Florida (not much furniture).

Chances are if the other places aren't offering sign-on bonuses they aren't either.

Just ask point blank "do you have any relocation expense reimbursement?"....let them answer than and say "oh, what about sign-on bonuses". You won't know unless you ask.