new grad RN with respiratory degree

JadedCPN, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2017

I can't speak first hand as I don't have a respiratory background, but generally speaking new grads get the same pay across the board regardless of previous healthcare experience because it wasn't nursing experience. However your respiratory background could give you a leg-up for getting a job when there are multiple new grads to choose from.

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · Jan 28, 2017

you might want to keep that to yourself! You will be the unofficial "go-to"person with no extra money. Did you think about doing RT?

SierraMoon, ADN, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2017

You'll be lucky not to have to sign an agreement to get a BSN, much less get paid extra for a non-nursing degree. Pay rates generally go by time under that license.

I would definitely try to negotiate but would not expect much.

LessValuableNinja · Feb 4, 2017

I can't speak first hand as I don't have a respiratory background, but generally speaking new grads get the same pay across the board regardless of previous healthcare experience because it wasn't nursing experience. However your respiratory background could give you a leg-up for getting a job when there are multiple new grads to choose from.

That may be true in your area, but is not in mine. Multiple systems in my area give credit for very specific previous healthcare experience. However, the systems vary widely in what they credit.

For example, one system credits emt, paramedic, or LVN/PN experience partially, on a percent pay increase to your base. Another does not credit EMT, but credits PN and paramedic time on a one year of RN credit per two years of PN/Para experience. Another has a similar formula. Another credits nothing but RN time. I'm not sure if any given respiratory therapy credit, mostly because it's never come up with anyone I know. I only know one former resp therapist RN, and he was able to negotiate due to.. other things.

It can't hurt to ask, but I wouldn't ask until they make an offer. If you ask before that, it can hurt.

Of course, if Jaded is from that area, she'd know better. That's just been my experience in two states, but not your metro area.

JadedCPN, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2017

That may be true in your area, but is not in mine. Multiple systems in my area give credit for very specific previous healthcare experience. However, the systems vary widely in what they credit.
For example, one system credits emt, paramedic, or LVN/PN experience partially, on a percent pay increase to your base. Another does not credit EMT, but credits PN and paramedic time on a one year of RN credit per two years of PN/Para experience. Another has a similar formula. Another credits nothing but RN time. I'm not sure if any given respiratory therapy credit, mostly because it's never come up with anyone I know. I only know one former resp therapist RN, and he was able to negotiate due to.. other things.
It can't hurt to ask, but I wouldn't ask until they make an offer. If you ask before that, it can hurt.
Of course, if Jaded is from that area, she'd know better. That's just been my experience in two states, but not your metro area.

Very interesting to know that, thanks for sharing. I definitely can see the argument for taking that experience into account.

My experience was based on spending the majority of my career in southern Ohio, so depending on where the OP is in Kentucky it very well could be the same market.