How would you feel and what would you do?

I have been working for a company for five years. I have been loyal and everytime they needed help, I was there working,(visits, oncall, admissions) I found out today a nurse that was hired 1 year ago is making $3 more an hour and a nurse working 7mo. is making $2 more an hour. On one hand I feel very betrayed, but on their side if they can get away with paying less, why not.

How would you react, and how should I approach them about this. (or should I be happy I have a job!) After the feeling of betrayal, I was angry and started looking for a new job.

First, be very careful about citing what other people make when talking to management. I've seen people fired for snooping in that area--not accusing you of that. If you bring up what Nurse Nancy and Sally make, it's easy for management to ask how you know that. Pay rates are confidential in most organizations.

Second, assuming the information about what the others make is accurate, what about their experience? Do they have certifications in hospice you don't have, etc.?

In discussing salary with management, get stats from the Bureau of Labor or similar authority for your geographic area and use that as a source of information for negotiation. Then make your case on your merits, not what others make. In my experience, that's the safer and more effective road.

There's nothing wrong, at any time, with checking the color of the grass on the other side of the fence. Just make sure it's easily digestible.

HaHa, I totally agree with making the grass more digestible! As a hiring manager, this is a difficult area to deal with. I would ask your company for thier pay scales, they should have a published scale if they are a corporation. And state your case as it pertains to you. Have you precepted these new employees? What makes you marketable? When I started on the floor straight out of school, I was making as much at the hospital as a floor nurse and a brand new RN as my preceptor was with 22 years of experience. (I was mortified and embarassed and I wasn't even at fault). Sometimes, hiring decisions are based on the immediate need,;the right candidate may present itself and you have to match, or beat, their previous pay in order to get them on staff in time not to have to wear out your current staff--not that any of this is fair, but it is the truth.