How soon is too soon to ask for a raise?

[Jenni811, RN]

I've been working as an RN at my hospital for a little over a year. (my 1 year being in july). I haven't gotten a raise yet.

Not that i expect a raise every year, but i feel like i should have at least something after 1 year of being employed. I was hired as a new grad and got new grad pay.

Am i being selfish in wanting a raise after 1 year? im not talking 5-10 dollar raise, even like 50 cents or a dollar. Whatever...it adds up!! How soon is too soon to mention it? we have our yearly appraisals coming up, hoping manager will mention something then.

How long was it before any one else got a raise?

[1JerseyCCRN]

All the nurses at my hospital get raises 3 times a year, not a whole lot probably about 50 cents-a dollar but its union raises, hopefully your manager will mention it in your yearly evaluation.

[Crux1024]

Im assuming your facility has a process for raises? Such as yearly merit increases or every x months. I would try to find out what the usual process is? Of course, the worst they can do if you ask is so no.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

It is usually after your yearly evaluation. But this was a question that should have been asked in orientation, as all employers are different. And if you have clinical ladders or unions, things can vary/

Be aware that in this economy, many employers are either not giving raises, or they are minimal. In many places, it is 1% to 3%, thus probably less than what you listed.

I have always gotten more from the market based equity/COL increases in hospitalsthat do those. But not all places do that, especially in this economy.

[Jenni811, RN]

thanks for the replies. Yes, i agree i feel this should have been addressed during orientation, but i felt so bad asking because i was SO thankful i even got a job at a hospital and im getting paid more than my other nursing friends.

I'm hoping something will be mentioned in my yearly eval. I'm nervous to bring it up, but im hoping to get something!

[BOOYARN]

just wait till the evaluation is done and if its not metioned, I would def ask!

we just got a cost of living 4% raise plus we get yearly evals with raises from 2 to 6% depending on your yearly evaluation. also a union hospital

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Does your hospital have a clinical ladder program? At my hospital, raises are linked to moving up the ladder and you move up the first step automatically after a year.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

thanks for the replies. Yes, i agree i feel this should have been addressed during orientation, but i felt so bad asking because i was SO thankful i even got a job at a hospital and im getting paid more than my other nursing friends.

I'm hoping something will be mentioned in my yearly eval. I'm nervous to bring it up, but im hoping to get something!

The time for raises in a non union facility is at your yearly eval, this system is refered to as merit raises , which of course based on your merit, and you aren't necessarily "entitled" to a raise just because you have worked a year. I know of MANY nurses in my area where the facilities are continuing to lay off and haven't gotten raises in at least 2 years.....or more.

You are lucky to have a job and you are very lucky that your pay is better than your friends, so you do need to be thankful. Union facilities have across the board raises built into their contracts that give either yearly raises, whether that is in increments throught the year or just yearly and senority raises. I am not being harsh but unfortunately today this is the unfortunate climate and unfortunateclimate of the ecomony today.

I hope you do well on your evaluation....Good luck:D

[gardentulip27]

Hey,

Glad you feel assertive to go for the raise. I think a year is plenty of time. I would have in had a list of things you have done that are great examples of going the extra mile as we all know we do from time to time. Smile I would be ready to have a Plan B in place if they say we have no money to offer. Lobby then for extra vacation days or comp time or your favorite shift spot. Still ask for something to honor your hard work!! Go for it and let me know how it goes. Good luck.

[RNperdiem, RN]

When your yearly evaluation comes up and you bring up the raise issue, you need to be able to tell you manager why you should get a raise.

What are you bringing to the company that you didn't bring last year?

Here you need to mention that you have been charge nurse, precepting new grads, orienting students, got certifications, etc.

[Amanda.RN]

It will probably be mentioned in your annual review. If it isn't, I would definitely bring it up. Most places have a policy that they follow for raises. At the hospital I used to work at, all of the nurses would get a raise according to the "fair market value of a nurse" and then each nurse would get a raise based on their performance / review. Good luck!

[rn4ever?]

i'd think that after your yearly evaluation, your NM will tell you how much raise you are getting (if you're getting any). If not, you may ask but be prepared to tell her why you deserve a raise.