should I talk to HR?

[raygun354]

so my earlier post was explaining that as a new grad I got a job in LTC in NE CT. My starting wage is only 23.50, which seems low to me. I talked to some of my friends that graduated with me, and they are making significantly more per hour. I was wondering if there is a good way to talk to someone about this. I have orientation on Monday, and was thinking maybe I should call before hand. Either way I'm taking the job because I need the experience, but my gut tells me it's just not enough. Anyone have an opinion or suggestions on how to handle this situation?

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

23.50 is the average pay for LTC, at least in my area. I did flu shot clinics for $22, currently do home health for $23 and just interviewed at a LTC/Rehab and they stated $24. A friend in a clinic makes $21.50.

Now in the hospitals that is a different story, the ads state starting wage is $28 - $30.

I have been looking for a soild full/part time position for 7 months and anything over $20 is good to me right now. I want that magical year so I can get into the hospital

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

I would not re-negotiate. If your friends work at a hospital, they will be making more money. HR will tell you that as well. If you go to them and ask for more money, they will immediately be on alert that you aren't happy. It is starting off on the wrong foot. HR and NMs tend to talk to each other, and you would not want your boss to file in her memory bank that you are not happy with the agreed upon salary; it will send out a bad vibe.

Put in your year, do the best job that you can so that you are eligible for a raise and will receive the benefit of good reference letters, then start looking at hospital jobs.

[rn4ever?]

Where I work at they have only one rate for new graduates-----doesn't matter if you are going to Psych/ICU/Med Surg floor etc. I would just ask about the differentials and when I would be evaluated and qualified to get a raise. Afterall, the HR personnel/Nurse Manager doesn't know you yet.....she doesn't know your work ethic, if you are dependable, how your attendance and performance is. How can you then convince them you are worth more than 23.50 an hour?

[tracel1]

With people not able to get jobs, you are lucky to get a job, it may be more than you was making before, get experience then call the shots

[flashpoint]

tell your friends to show you their pay stubs!!! make a copy delete all the personal information and take it to HR ...... thats what i would do

You're joking, right?

When I was a new graduate (a long time ago), I started out at less than most of my classmates...within a year I was making more than most of them.

Do you get a 90-day (or 30-day or six month) raise? With the current job market, I would take the job at the wage you have been promised and see what happens. If you can't pay your bills at that wage, look for some PRN shifts or make some changes to your lifestyle, so you can pay the bills.