Pay grade: experienced nurse vs new grad

[rehric00]

Guys & Gals...

I know we are "not supposed to talk about pay"... but we all do. That being said, my hospital recently did a market analysis and raised base pay for all hospital employees. I got a small increase (50 cents I think)... However- the base pay for new grads (BSN) was also raised.

I have been at the hospital for 6 years, 3 of those an a BSN prepared nurse. I have med surg and peds experience, and currently work in ICU as charge nurse/preceptor (and have done extensive training since I started there 2 years ago). I am also pursuing my master's degree. I've always rated the highest level on my yearly evals, have never been wrote up and have called off 4 times in six years.

I recently found out that new grads are now starting out making a wage that is only 50 cents less than what I make per hour.

The big question: Am I wrong for being slightly upset about this?

I realize I will be done with school in a few years and be making double what I make now anyways.. But I cannot help but to feel like I'm getting jipped. Don't get me wrong- I do not think the new grads should be making less.. but I also have a hard time justifying that I have all this experience and am basically getting the same wage as someone who doesn't even know how to start an IV or complete an admission history assessment.

Thoughts on this? Am I just being a negative Nancy? Should I just suck it up? Or do I have a valid point here?

[PS0812]

That happens in all hospitals, and quite frankly businesses too. As the years go by starting wages increase so the facility remains competitive and attracts new talent. I've never worked in a union situation so maybe it is different in those hospitals. Toot your own horn, let them see your value and be prepared, when review time comes, to put in your two cents about your stellar performance. Perhaps the % of your raise will be higher. Good luck!

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

That's why I like the pay scale at the hospitals around here: that will never happen. New grads start at the first step, and people with 20 years of experience start at at the 20th step. If the base rate (step 1) changes, then all the steps go up. Wages are written into the ONA contract at the union hospitals specifically to prevent experienced nurses from missing out on pay raises.

That's the beauty of a strong union! It can make all the difference in pay and benefits, but not all of us are so lucky. I work in a state that has virtually no unionized hospitals, whereas some states are heavily unionized and they tend to have better pay and benefits like NY, CA, or MN to name a few I'm aware of.

[GadgetRN71, ASN, RN]

I once had a nurse tell me that it doesn't "pay" to stay at a facility for more than 5 to 8 years. That seems to make sense now...

No, it doesn't. I do what will benefit me and my wallet. The hospitals have no loyalty, why should I?

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

If you want a raise, you need to strategically ask for one.

Go on a few job interviews. If you get some amazing offer you can always take it. If not, your employer will be called and they will know you are dissatisfied with something.

Calculate what you think you are worth and then ask for 10% more than that. That is your negotiating room. Have a few reasons why you think they should pay you that amount. Documented job offers are great reasons, but not necessary.

If they need time to think about it, ask them how much time, and then follow up.

If they offer less than what you asked for, negotiate.

If they can't come up to your minimum, continue interviewing.

[nursechris1]

Regarding the IV comments, as a diploma trained RN, we had a great deal of experience starting IV's in nursing school.

[JaxJax5423]

Yup...doesn't pay to stay loyal to your facility $.50 raises aren't going to cut it. I left a job I'd been at for about 3.5 yrs and went to a new facility (lateral move) and was offered almost $10 more an HOUR!!!

[Cmurphy43]

I am still curious how she thinks she will be making double her current pay?? An NP in my area is only paid MAYBE 10-20% more than an average paid RN.

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

In my experience the only way to get a decent increase in salary is to go to a new employer.

[Bobjohnny]

I am still curious how she thinks she will be making double her current pay?? An NP in my area is only paid MAYBE 10-20% more than an average paid RN.

My area is nearly double. About a 90% increase anyway, based on what a friend's recent new grad NP pay is in primary care. Another friend who went to work in a specialty would be about a 105% increase for my base pay. Admittedly, I make nothing close to what my base pay is.

[ENquisitive]

Pay rates really are poorly designed - I experienced this when I worked for a hospital system as an engineer as well. Even with a promotion, HR policy set a maximum raise % so new people coming in with zero healthcare experience got paid more than I did, even though I'd been there for years. So I guess I'm saying this seems to happen to all hospital employees, not only nurses.

In my experience, my manager tried to reward me with non-monetary benefits, which worked at least for a while. Are there other incentives (besides a direct pay raise) that would make it worth staying at a hospital, even as an experienced nurse? I'm thinking about things like first choice on scheduling or something like that?

[Oceanpacific]

I hope to be able to partially retire in about 8 years. My position is federal (VA) and there is a modest pension based upon years of service and also based upon the highest 3-year salary. So the incentive should be to jmake as much income as I can in the next 8 years. However,knock on wood, I don't think I would be willing to take the risk on taking a new position within the VA even if it paid more.

My peace of mind means a lot to me. Finally I am largely enjoying my position, co-workers are mostly nice and my manager seems reasonable. It really takes a toll to have a job that is too stressful, co-workers you can't trust and a manager with an axe to grind. I've had those situations and they just about killed me.

My biggest worry is that we will have an economic collapse and Social Security and pensions won't exist.

[VickieBligh]

After 38 years in the biz, there is one thing I've learned and that is without organization you have no voice. I make a darn good salary right now and that is only due to Unionization.

No you aren't unjustified in being upset that you make so little more than a brand new grad. Your hospital IS discounting your experience, continuing education and, the biggest insult, the responsibility you carry as a charge. We get about $2.50 extra for charge pay and that ain't near enough for the pain, heartache and headache that comes with the job. Good luck in trying to get recognition. I hope you make it!