NC New grad - salary negotiable?

neygray · Sep 11, 2006

"Is $19 really all I can hope for to start in the Triangle area?"

Probably so. Teaching hospitals tend to not pay quite as much, but you are gaining a lot of experience you may not receive in non-teaching or private hospitals. I've not really come across a hospital that really takes into account of prior experience before receiving your license. Has anyone else? Also, is the hospital that is willing to give you financial credit the same one that you teched at? That could be the reason if so.

NCVegRN · Sep 11, 2006

Thanks for the response! Actually every hospital in this area gives students a bump for working as a tech. I was in an ICU and many also won't start you there unless you worked as a tech for over a year. But it doesn't have to be at the same hospital. I am by no means experienced, but I will say I am more comfortable in the ICU setting than many classmates and have seen and, in some cases, done a lot more. I already know I won't freak out the first time I assist in a code, for example, because I've already done it.

I am learning the many differences between NC and VA even though it's so close. Here we can work 90 days until we take boards. Personally I think it's better to let everyone take and pass that first and that was my plan anyway.

I definitely prefer the level of support and experience I really feel I am going to get at a teaching hospital, compared to non. So I know it's not all about the money - it is just taking me some time to come to terms with choosing to move AND make so much less to start!

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Sep 12, 2006

Many nurses work as techs/aides/CNAs prior to graduating....it really isn't all that unusual.

New grads (despite tech experience) have little room to negotiate. For the 1-3 initial years that you are out of school, you are "interning". A better possibility is negotiating a good raise after you have "proven" yourself in a year.