I need to know the starting pay

Libby1987 · Apr 9, 2015

We base our interest in part from how shadow goes. If I get good vibes from a shadowing potential hire (like a working interview) I will tell my admin yea or nay, sometimes a very strong yea, sometimes it's a "has potential but will need a longer orientation." Which in turn will affect job offer, so I don't know that asking in advance would be best.

elkpark · Apr 9, 2015

I would not ask. If you think there is any possibility you are interested in the position, show up for the shadowing experience and be gracious and enthusiastic about doing it. It's not a "waste" of your time. The fact that you've been invited to shadow typically means they're seriously interested in you. Making a great impression during the shadowing could put you in a position to ask for more when it is actually time to talk about money, or boost the amount they would offer you. Best wishes!

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 9, 2015

I agree. Now is not the time to ask. If you are not interested enough in the job to invest a little time shadowing without knowing the pay ... then you are not the person they are looking for. If I were the manager and knew that your interest was not based on the quality of the job at all, and only on the pay ... that would probably eliminate you from my consideration. So keep that information to yourself as long as possible.

You will be in a far stronger position to talk money AFTER they have offered you the job and declared that they want you.

proud nurse, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2015

Thank you for the solid responses so far.

If you are not interested enough in the job to invest a little time shadowing without knowing the pay ... then you are not the person they are looking for. If I were the manager and knew that your interest was not based on the quality of the job at all, and only on the pay ... that would probably eliminate you from my consideration.

Good point, llg. Do you think she intentionally didn't mention the pay?

Farawyn · Apr 9, 2015

I would ask, but not in the thank you letter.

My current job, my salary was a cut, and I knew what school nurses make in NY, so I didn't have to ask, but every other time the NM made sure I knew the pay rate.

Why is it poor etiquette to ask? Not being facetious.

elkpark · Apr 9, 2015

Thank you for the solid responses so far.
Good point, llg. Do you think she intentionally didn't mention the pay?

In my experience, HR goes over pay, benefits, etc., once the decision has been made to offer you the job.

NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN · Apr 9, 2015

The pay is variable depending on the local cost of living.

In 2010 starting pay was 20.00/hour without differentials in my mid-sized city with 5 large hospitals and approx 10 level 3 trauma centers further out.

Here's a semi-recent thread about it that will give you an idea of what to expect...

https://allnurses.com/registered-nurses-diploma/starting-salary-new-706926.html

proud nurse, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2015

Why is it poor etiquette to ask? Not being facetious.

Perhaps for reasons a previous poster stated above, or that it looks like all a person cared about was the pay. Several websites I googled said it was a no-no. While I can understand the rationale behind it, I also have to look out for my own best interests. It doesn't make me less interested in the quality of the job, but it is an important decision when considering a job change.

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 9, 2015

Pay may not be the be-all, end-all. Remember THEY are investing valuable time, having you shadow there. Consider that. It's not a waste of your time to figure out if you will be a good fit and if the job will work for you.

I think you need to consider it both ways.

OF COURSE pay is important, but isn't job satisfaction and happiness factored in there? It sure is for me.

imintrouble, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2015

I'm wondering if the employer is not volunteering the pay because it's low. Maybe they want the OP to see everything else they have to offer, before they throw out a number that would automatically be turned down if it stood alone.

Right or wrong, I'm old enough not to be squeamish about asking about pay.

I think it's kind of crappy for that number not to be on the table immediately.

SmilingBluEyes · Apr 9, 2015

But as mentioned before, pay and benefits are often discussed in the HR setting, not in the interview. If one were really curious, I am sure he/she could contact the HR department where the job is posted, and ask those questions. Then, not bother with the interview if the pay is too little or not commensurate with working conditions.

But I also think it's a darn good opportunity to shadow some people and get a lay of the land, so to speak, whatever the pay may be. I make less than I might in another position in a hospital, but my working conditions are far better. Pay is not the end of it all for me, at the end of the day.