Pay rate is significantly higher...

[Kitty Hawk]

What does this usually mean?

I had a phone interview with an imaging center that is nationwide. I asked what a ballpark hourly wage they offer. She asked me what I make. (it's slightly higher than starting salary for RN in hospital) Sounded like she was looking info up and said "oh it's, significantly higher".

How do I know when I go into an interview what is their starting RN pay without short changing myself. I feel like know they could pay me a heck of a lot less than maybe they're willing to pay for whomever b/c I make so much less than what they offer.

Frankly, I'm surprised I was always told that hospital nurses make the most in this area. (LTC makes the same) but clinic and office nurses make so much less. (except for the clinics owned by the hospital, those nurses make about the same)

Thanks, and sorry but I didn't want to threadjack the other thread about salaries.

[Mulan]

I called a dialysis clinic and asked what the salary was, she said they didn't discuss it over the phone, I said knowing the salary determines whether or not I even apply, she told me the salary.

I've called local hospitals and asked the PRN rate, which they gave me.

I don't think it's out of line to try to find out the starting salary, and sometimes by asking you receive.

[FLmomof5]

What I find unfair about HRs is that they are often unwilling to disclose what they may offer, but demand in an application for you to enter current income. This feature cost my father job after job because he was so highly paid at one point. Instead, he ended up fully retired.

I would have no problem disclosing my current income, but I have been a mainframe (contract) programmer making $39/hr. So....I apply for a NG RN position in the south....and they could think, "Wow, she won't like our offer....and will leave for higher money at earliest opportunity"...and they would be wrong.

It sux, but it is the system we have to work within.

[GM2RN]

I called a dialysis clinic and asked what the salary was, she said they didn't discuss it over the phone, I said knowing the salary determines whether or not I even apply, she told me the salary.

I've called local hospitals and asked the PRN rate, which they gave me.

I don't think it's out of line to try to find out the starting salary, and sometimes by asking you receive.

You called these facilities and probably spoke with HR, who wouldn't know you from Adam, not asking the person who was actually interviewing you DURING the interview...different altogether.

I already stated that I think it's a reasonable question, but you don't know the mind of the person who is interviewing you, and you could offend his or her sense of propriety and professionalism if asking about pay at the "wrong" time, in his/her opinion, which happens to be the only one that counts right then.

If the wage they are offering can't be found out some other way besides asking during the interview, the only thing it might cost someone by waiting is some time. It could cost someone a job if they are impatient and can't wait. Personally, I'd take my cue from the person interviewing me. If they don't bring it up, I don't ask. What any of you do is up to you.