Pay rate

[verock]

Hi! I need some suggestions on how I should approach this. I am an OB nurse for almost 3 yrs, came in the dept. as a new grad. I've never had any problems a work, I am a charge nurse and have also oriented new grads or nurses and have received good evals. Currently I am orientating a new grad, w/ zero exp. in OB or nursery, but was an LPN for several years in peds. I found out several days ago that she is making about $3.00 more than me- per hr. I am upset about this and I think I should probably make the same or more- or am I asking for too much and being greedy? Thanks!

[doodlemom]

If she's been an LVN for a long time and has experience in the hospital, she may have been making more as an experienced LVN then what the new RN grads are making at your hospital. Was her previous experience with this same hospital? I'm sure that the hospital is taking in her years of experience as an LVN - I know this seems unfair but she does have a lot of experience as a nurse, which should account for something. You could point out the salary difference to your supervisor but she may get into trouble for revealing her salary to you.

[jonear2, RN]

When our GN class got hired we started out making a couple of dollars mor an hour than the class that started nine monts ahead of us. I think it all goes back to the fact that the hospitals seem to be very big on hiring new nurses but not so big on retaining the experienced nurses. Perhaps if you are unhappy with your salary then you should speak to your manager, but make the discussion about your experience, your skills, your willingness to take on the extra burdens of charge and preceptorship. Comparing your salary and the new grads may not make the case for your benefit.

amy