New Job, asking for a higher pay

DextersDisciple, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2020

20 hours ago, sam.nikole3104 said:
Hi!
I am currently a 3.5 year experienced BSN,RN working at a large Dallas hospital on an acute care tele floor, thoracic surgery/lung transplant unit. I have been offered a job by one of our surgeons, to work in his clinic with him and his staff. Super exciting offer!
I would be stepping away from inpatient care, which I think is best for me at this time as I am growing weary of inpatient care/hospital demands. I currently make a bit over $31/hr. Going into this clinic would mean no differentials, no holiday pay, NO charge nurse pay, etc. I am curious about how much I should negotiate for in this new job as far as pay goes? This position is currently open to me as a completely new position for this clinic, I am not competing for the spot. The average Dallas RN pay rate is around $32-$38. Seeing as how I won't be working any O.T, weekends or receiving differentials in this new job, is $40 too much to ask for? Should I ask for higher? Help!

Sorry but that’s way too high. Not having differential or holiday pay is not a reason for a clinic to pay you $9 more an hour. They’re going to say well if you want to keep making that extra pay then go ahead and stay at the bedside- where you have to work weekends/holidays/evenings/nights.

That’s the trade off for getting to work in (what’s usually) a lower stress environment with a well balanced schedule. Up to you to decide if it’s worth it.

JadedCPN, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2020

I agree with the previous poster, that is definitely too high. Keep in mind that clinics/outpatient settings almost always pay less than the inpatient setting, often because there are additional "perks" of working outpatient (I.e. no weekends, no holidays, etc).

JKL33 · Mar 19, 2020

In my area you would be extremely lucky to simply just not have your base pay (hourly rate) go down when making this kind of move. I hope I'm wrong but in my area the "good deal" would consist of sacrificing the differentials, the holiday and charge pay, etc., in order to gain the benefit of the clinic work-week and the office-level intensity/acuity...and hoping against hope that you don't also take a huge hit in the hourly wage department. Offices/clinics around here do not compete well with hospital base wages.

That's the trade-off I'm familiar with: Lose pay differentials, gain a desirable work-week in an office setting...and usually people are sacrificing their hourly rate somewhat for this kind of change, too.

Wuzzie · Mar 19, 2020

20 hours ago, sam.nikole3104 said:
Seeing as how I won't be working any O.T, weekends or receiving differentials in this new job, is $40 too much to ask for? Should I ask for higher? Help!

It's not their fault you are losing those benefits and not their responsibility to make up for it. $40 is way above the average you posted. Why do you think you should be paid that much more? $9/hr is really a huge leap.

JKL33 · Mar 19, 2020

I can understand why you want to try to make up the difference, but suspect they will quickly decide to post the position if you don't give them a reasonable wage suggestion. You need to find out what other office/clinic nurses in your area are making and use that as your guide.

MEINstudent · Mar 19, 2020

At my very large level 1 trauma center, clinic nurses start at $5 less per hour than bedside/OR/ED nurses.

SC3104 · Mar 19, 2020

Thanks for all the input!
to provide a little more context: when I was offered the job and inquired about it a few months ago I was told I would most likely earn more than what I’m getting now on the floor and could possibly negotiate. In retrospect and after some more research I realize 40 would be too much to ask! ? I appreciate everyone’s insight. I’ll find out more soon!

caliotter3 · Mar 19, 2020

I would ask for more for myself were I to look for a new job now. But in my case, I would only be trying to get equity with coworkers who are being paid more than I am even though I have better qualifications. I always get taken for being stupid or something. One of the reasons I look forward to leaving nursing.