My least favorite subject

[moreoreo]

Hi everyone,

Has anyone else approached HR to question a low pay raise? I received a letter about pay for next year which reflects an increase that does not even match inflation. I have only finished a 1/2 year in my position but have been well received and have our districts largest school with two more classrooms added next year. I know I am more qualified than before and that my responsibilities will only increase from here. Not sure whether to approach my supervisor or HR about my thoughts.

Money is not everything but I am looking ahead to starting a family so it is definitely a priority. Thank you in advance for any input!

edit: So I thought about it and decided not to say anything because I really think the small increase may be due to my only having worked a 1/2 year. While some districts pay more, many also pay less... when I complete my bsn (and when I complete my CSN) I think that would be a better time to negotiate. For now I think I will just focus on improving so that I don't have doubts in the future!

[3peas]

I've worked in four districts and all have had standardized pay scales attached to years of service. This is government work essentially, not private sector. It's hard to adjust to it at first. You don't take the job for the money, but when you do the math you realize how much you actually make comparatively.

[moreoreo]

I reread my post and I think I wrote it more strongly than I intended. I know about standardized pay scales but I am not familiar with one for my position. Our district did not employ nurses until recently. I think the sore spot for me is that I was told prior to hire that I would be able to negotiate my starting salary only to lose that opportunity d/t other people's miscommunication (HR was under the impression I had already accepted the pay, so I accepted a lower salary to begin with than I was happy with). I am currently at a summer school that pays more for fewer responsibilities so I think I am also struggling with the comparison. Everyone has been so complimentary at my school that I think I got my hopes up. I will keep in mind all the things you said. At the same time I think school nurses deserve fair compensation and have told my own health aide that if she does not advocate for herself then no one will assume she feels underpaid. I think I may say something if only because I do not want to spend the school year wishing I had while I had the chance.

Thank you for your thoughts!

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

it does make it a bit easier to work where your just on a salary with steps, but there are the days when I look at myself in comparison to my colleagues (all teachers) who get to enjoy an uninterrupted lunch where they can leave the building to go for pizza without the threat of being called back because a kindergartener needs an inhaler or have 2 duty free periods per day for "planning". Riiight. I think if all things really were fair, i'd get bumped a step about every 3 years or so.

In private industry I could negotiate and be given a raise or at least a bonus. I try to gently suggest to them from time to time that getting me more clerical help would be a good start (a part time nurse would be better) as i'm run pretty thin, but instead the extra help goes to IT, the library and administration. The logic around here is fascinating.