Interview/pay?

[anticoagulationurse]

I've long been wooed by a nurse recruiter who works for a large national HH agency. I finally decided to apply for an RN position and have an interview on Monday. I am really excited, as I did spend some time with an RN at this agency shadowing for a half a day and think I will enjoy the work!

I have 3 years exp as an LPN and almost 2 now as an RN. I am thinking of bringing my past performance evaluations which prove how stellar of an employee I've been. And also, how poorly I've been compensated. I just discovered that in my current position, since we are not unionized, the HR people say I will never rise above the minimum pay scale (besides annual COLA:twocents:).

I have also been doing some research based on my area and experience and show that high, average for RN's in HH is 62K whch is what I've asked for on my application. Compared to my current, puney 45K it seems like I am asking for the moon. However, I really truly feel I deserve it and will prove worthy of it, because though not humble about it, I am a damn good nurse, with a "Exceeds Expectations" reputation.

What do you think?

[annaedRN, RN]

Every HH agency is vastly different. I make the equivalent of what the local hospital RNs make. My base salary plus the oncall visits, mileage, etc around 60K. I LOVE HH! And cannot imagine myself anywhere else. Just keep in mind that you will EARN every cent of that salary. Especially if it is a for profit agency. You will see many patients and have much charting....but that being said, it is SO worth it. Good luck to you.

[caliotter3]

If you are taking a salaried nurse supervisor position, you will be compensated much higher than you would be if you are doing shift work for clients. Shift work compensation is (according to the agencies) limited according to the reimbursement received by the entity paying for the care. Thus, you could find yourself receiving the same hourly rate as the LPNs, because most long term home care cases are designated at the LPN level of care. Some agencies will acknowledge that you're an RN by paying you a few dollars more than the LPNs on a particular case, but others will try to get you to work at the lower pay if they can. You have to be keenly aware of your worth and speak up for yourself.

[Helper4Life_RN]

I just graduated from BSN program. I've been an LPN for 11 years. Those years were equated to 5yrs 8mos RN years. I was told I would be salaried with rotating shifts and paid 31 and hour

[anticoagulationurse]

Yay! It took a long time for them to get back to me, but I was offered the job at the rate I requested at the interview $60K (I couldn't bear to ask for the 62K I was originally planning), no negotiations needed. Also, I'll start with 4 weeks paid time off a year and paid health coverage after 30 days. AND most importantly, the opportunity for merit based raises in the future. What a sweet deal!!! You never know unless you ask! Lesson learned here.

[caliotter3]

Congratulations on the job offer. Sounds like you got a good deal and are happy with the results. Hope you enjoy your new job.

[purpledaisies]

I just graduated from BSN program. I've been an LPN for 11 years. Those years were equated to 5yrs 8mos RN years. I was told I would be salaried with rotating shifts and paid 31 and hour

I have 11 years of RN experience, and I got $30/hr for part time not including mileage. It's a significant pay cut from my old job as an ICU nurse, but that's ok...less stress and no more nights!

Yay! It took a long time for them to get back to me, but I was offered the job at the rate I requested at the interview $60K (I couldn't bear to ask for the 62K I was originally planning), no negotiations needed. Also, I'll start with 4 weeks paid time off a year and paid health coverage after 30 days. AND most importantly, the opportunity for merit based raises in the future. What a sweet deal!!! You never know unless you ask! Lesson learned here.

Congratulations! I wish you the best of luck with your new job!