Interview yesterday at Peds office....

[danda22]

I graduated LPN school (June 17th) &a job posting came up at school for a peds office near my area. A grad from my school has worked there since 04 and suggested the office send a posting there. I sent a resume immediately. I had the interview yesterday and it went amazing. It is a very busy office with 4 docs. It's just what I was looking for. They are filling one FT position w/2 PT. one 4 hr. sat. a month, no late eves

It was great until pay came up. When I was asked what pay I was expecting I said I was negotiable and would probably be willing to agree on something in their range. There are 4 people interviewing for 2 jobs and the turnover rate is low. She told me that new grads would probably start around $11 and I did not react knowing it would hurt my chances of getting the 2nd interview. I would like to get the job offer and then negotiate pay. I know I am new and lack nursing experience but I just went to school 2 years and 1300 clinical hours, waitressing &balancing a husband and 3 kids. I am mortified! I can't even justify driving 30 min. each way or even pay my loans off with that.

I'm thinking more in the $14 range & I thought I was being realistic. How do I really go about getting that if the offer is $11. we seem way off and I admit I am a bit offended. Should I be or is this normal? I have been offered a job at a nursing home where I did my preceptorship. I can have it the day after I pass state boards. It is close (5 min.) away, the pay is $16 but 2nd shift PT. They offered me $10 to work as an aide until I passed and I declined.

anyhow after a long story, how do I address this pay or are we too far off and I should cut my losses now and keep looking? thanks for listening to me vent and pout .....Amanda

P.s....those working in a similar environment can you tell me what I should expect to be paid?

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

That's the thing about working in private offices. The pay sucks. They figure that you're getting a pretty cushy job (their idea, not mine... I'm a mom after all!) with very desirable hours, so you'll be willing to work for less. It's also likely that there will be few or no benefits attached to this job. I was offered a job recovering anaesthetized patients in my son's dentist's office more than once, but I know he will never be able to pay me what I make in my hospital job and that his benefits package will never come close. So yes, the job itself is attractive, but I need more income and the benefits of working in a hospital. Just something to think about.

[VinoLover2030]

I think you really have to look hard at what you need, Money wise, but also look at what is most important. Do you want to gain experience or do you want a simple job?

Do you really need money right now or can you take the pay cut?Make a list of pros and cons and choose what will be best for you in the long term.Make you you look at all angles....

money needed to survive(pay)

drive time

kids time

benefits

type of work

work experience(do you want to learn new skills)

hours of your job(do you want to work 3 twelve hour shifts and be done or do you want to work 8-5 five days per week.

TAKE ALL OF THIS INTO ACCOUNT. i WOULD NOT CUT MY LOSSES JUST YET.YOU SHOULD HAVE SOME TIME TO THINK IT OVER

I hope this helps