Neutral advice on asking for raise

[ophthalnurse]

I need advice from neutral parties (not my family, coworkers, or close friends basically). I have been an LVN for 2 years working for an Ophthalmology clinic/surgery center. I love the specialty. I started with what I consider very low pay but knew I needed a job and experience. Since being hired as a "tech" working up pts. for doctor (refracting, pressures, dilating, history etc.), I have also been moved to pre-op, prep nurse in surgery, scrub nurse, and now am head of the OR scrub nurses and sterility of instruments. It's A LOT of work and my days are very long. I was bumped into this head position bc of a sudden retirement by another very experienced COT. I am now in charge of training very inexperienced people that have no medical background bc they can pay them less. I have also learned to schedule pts. for surgery. I have received one raise that I feel like I begged for of 50 cents! I'm so frustrated. I will be moving with my husband in 6 months for him to attend law school so I don't want to quit. How do I go about asking for another raise when it feels like I am not appreciated and they NEVER give raises? Thanks in advance!

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

I think the most effective thing to do is start applying for other jobs and use those offers as leverage. At the very least, you could research other similar jobs and use the data to negotiate a raise. I would start with hospitals affiliated with public universities in your area; usually those nurses are state employees and their wages are public knowledge. Why not figure out what the last person in your position was making and use that info?

[bebbercorn]

Nobody likes to talk about money, and it's especially tough with your boss. However, practice saying "my responsibilities have grown and my salary has not" or something to that effect. State how you've grown with the company and you would like your wages to reflect that. I'd leave out the part about moving. You just have to go for it, the worst they can tell you is no, and you will know that you fought for yourself. Go get 'em!

[ophthalnurse]

Thanks for the responses. It definitely is frightening. When I asked for a raise a yr. and half ago and got the 50 cents my boss said in so many words, you are replaceable, now it would take me 6 months to get someone to your par but you are replaceable!!!! Made me really upset bc I've worked tirelessly for him! He's pretty greedy unfortunately. He doesn't do yearly reviews basically so that he doesn't have to give raises! I like the idea of saying my responsibilities have grown and my salary hasn't! thanks! I wish I knew what our competitors employees were making but I've heard its quit a bit more.

[eeffoc_emmig]

Thanks for the responses. It definitely is frightening. When I asked for a raise a yr. and half ago and got the 50 cents my boss said in so many words you are replaceable, now it would take me 6 months to get someone to your par but you are replaceable!!!! Made me really upset bc I've worked tirelessly for him! He's pretty greedy unfortunately. He doesn't do yearly reviews basically so that he doesn't have to give raises! I like the idea of saying my responsibilities have grown and my salary hasn't! thanks! I wish I knew what our competitors employees were making but I've heard its quit a bit more.[/quote']

What an ass! Him not you.

[ophthalnurse]

Yep, if it wasn't for me moving in 6 months I'd be looking for other employment options for sure.