job interview at peds office yesterday..need advice

[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

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Can you check into what other offices are offering in your area? I live in central IL and the LPN/RN office pay is very similar. New RN grads make about $18-19 in my area in the hospital but as office staff it is much less.

[Imafloat, BSN, RN]

I would wait until an offer of employment comes before talking about pay. If you bring it up now, they may pass you by for another interview since there are still other candidates.