TheObserver5

This is totally my approach as well haha My response probably would have been: "Just think, by the time I'm done with this, I can get back to studying for my SATs" or something of that nature. I think nursing is a lot like the hospitality industry, you're going to deal with some awesome people who appreciate your services and some people whose only job in life is to "ask for the manager" kind of mentality. Developing a thicker skin will help during those times. I've always used humor in my encounters with people. Sometimes it will make them ease up and other times no dice. Either way, don't let one person ruin your day. And, honestly, if they're getting beyond the point of having a decent conversation, just start singing a song in your head and block them out while you're doing what you need to do. I've literally started to sing Bohemian Rhapsody in my head when interacting with people like this It's a win-win. You don't say anything you won't regret and the patient can no longer get a rise out of you if that's their intent.

As someone who has been on both sides of the fence (asking for the raise and being asked for the raise), go in facts not emotions (i.e. don't be offended if they're not willing to budge at first or at all). And, never use personal reasons (e.g. I can't afford rent etc.); keep it professional and work-based only (e.g. I've been doing this for x amount of years and according to the research I've done, someone in my position is usually at this rate etc.). 1) Look at local demographics for your area: a) Find employers in your area who are around the same size (e.g. number of employees) as your facility and look at job postings to see what they are paying people in a similar position. b) Go to sources like Payscale, Glassdoor, Paysa etc. and type in your title. This should pull up salary information for people with that title (along with years of experience to see where you should fall according to pay range). c) Keep location in mind when approaching your boss about a pay raise. For example, you might make X amount of dollars working in the current location but if you drive 30 miles away, you could make about 30% more in your salary. Don't approach them with a crazy number from 30 miles away and stay realistic in your "ask." d) In line with letter c above, know your value. Since you've done both ER Tech and CNA, this could be of value to employers since you have experience in different roles and could bring additional worth to the department (and therefore higher salary). e) Be prepared for the answer "No" but don't necessarily take it as the end-all-be-all answer. Listen for why they are saying "No." Is it because the budget has already been set for the year? Is it performance based? f) If they do say "No", ask when you can revisit the topic. Ask for a performance review (and you can also use this as leverage later on for the salary increase) in a specific time frame. So, let's set up the scenario: You: Mr. boss, I've been here as an ER Tech and CNA for 8 years. I've had the opportunity to learn a lot while in your department and I'd like to discuss compensation if you have time. According to my research on Payscale, speaking with other professionals, gathering information from various salary resources, and based on pay structures for similar roles at organizations in the area, a salary of $x would be in line with someone of my experience. Emergency Room (ER) Technician Salary If your boss seems hesitant, just continue to talk about the research that you've done and use those as talking points. Also, be sure to have some STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Results) stories that reiterate why you deserve the raise. You know you deserve the raise and your boss might even know it too. However, sometimes people need tangible examples to be reminded of why their employees "deserve" the raise. Also, it's good to provide examples in case it is budget based and they need to go "higher up" for approval. Hopefully some of this helped and keep us posted! Good luck!

I have a background that includes research and some grant writing and I'd be more than happy to help in whatever capacity I can. Send me a PM if you're interested in discussing it in more detail.

Finish this sentence: "The one thing nursing has taught me is ______ ." I have so many questions about nursing but it's hard to capture in one post, so I figured I would let you guys "school me" with an open ended question / statement to learn about your personal experience with nursing school, the nursing occupation, different specialties etc. etc. I look forward to your responses. Also, if you wouldn't mind, could you state how long you've been a nurse, what type of nurse you are (BSN, ADN, NP, CRNA etc.) and what your specialty is? Thank you!