Question about asking for a raise

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Specializes in Med/Surg; Critical Care/ ED.

Hi everyone,

I started in a neuro ICU last October, have worked for the same organization since June of 2001. We recently hired 2 new nurses, 1 inhouse and 1 from outside, both of whom I LOVE.

The nurse that came from outside drives over an hour one way. I was asking her if it was worth it to drive that far when she has a hospital in her city. She told me it was absolutely worth it, that our organization pays a lot more than the one in her city, then she told me what the hospital in her town offered her, and it was about what I am making now!!! Which tells me that she came in and started off making much more than I am after being there for 4 years.

I have never before asked for a raise, it has really never even occurred to me to do so, but this is really bothering me. Is this standard practice everywhere, and if so, should I even pursue it?

If I do ask for a raise, I have no idea how to do so and need some pointers. Has anyone else had this kind of experience?

Thanks so much in advance.

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from my blog, on 2/3/05. This would pretty much sum up my response to your question.

Jim Huffman, RN

"Don't Sit Still

If you have a couple of credit cards, you've probably found out something about the banking business.

Ignore them, and they'll come to you. Give them business, and they'll ignore you.

We have several credit card accounts open in our family. Some accounts seldom get used. And as regular as clockwork, the banks send us promo pieces. They make special offers. Suggest a 6 month lower interest rate. Whatever. Whatever it takes to get us to start using them again.

The same principle works for your career. Nurses complain constantly about hospitals and other facilities offering new nurses sign-on bonuses, while giving nothing to the long-suffering, hard-working nurses who have been there a zillion years.

Boo-hoo.

Of course they offer sign-on bonuses to new nurses. Why should they offer anything to the "old" employees? Most employers know that the old employees will stay there, unless something really annoying happens. They have no reason to treat them well.

It's the truth, folks. Whether you like it or not.

The secret here for your career is to make those you work for -- whether you are an employee, a contractor, or some other arrangement -- know that you will happily take your skills elsewhere unless they treat you very, very well.

Loyalty to hospitals or other facilities is crazy. Be loyal to your family, your friends, or your dog, but don't be loyal to a hospital. If you are, they will treat you badly. And who can blame them? They can get away with it.

On the other hand, if you are a skilled practitioner (and if you're not, why not?), and your skills are in demand, make sure whoever you're working for knows that you will leave as soon as you get a better offer. And show them you mean it. Let them know that you are always in the job market. And when a better offer comes along, take it. You'll make more money, be better at your work, and you'll have fun."

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Specializes in Med/Surg; Critical Care/ ED.
On the other hand, if you are a skilled practitioner (and if you're not, why not?), and your skills are in demand, make sure whoever you're working for knows that you will leave as soon as you get a better offer. And show them you mean it. Let them know that you are always in the job market. And when a better offer comes along, take it. You'll make more money, be better at your work, and you'll have fun."

Well, in reality, I am not going to leave my job or the organization I work for. They own all the hospitals in the area and I'm not going to drive over an hour to work somewhere else. AND I do love where I work and have no desire to leave. I was miserable in my job before this, and appreciate every time I go to work being able to look forward to going to work. But, I feel I am worth more than they are paying me and would like to know how to go about asking for it. Thanks for your reply!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Peds, Ortho, LTC and MORE.

Different situations and different bosses dictate that an evaluation process must take place before approaching your boss. Consider whether you merit a raise and whether your company is in a position to give you one. Then choose your moment and your methods carefully.

The following things should be considered:

-The employer's personnel culture -- what is acceptable and what is not?

-Your relationship with your boss -- are you personal friends or do you rarely talk?

-Your boss's reaction to your request -- will he be defensive, open to discussion or will he avoid the subject?

-The normal compensation for your job -- are you underpaid, and if not how can you justify an increase? Can you be easily replaced?

-What others are making at your company or agency -- how do they compare to your compensation?

-The company's current status -- has your employer given others raises recently or are they in a cutback mode?

-Your skills -- have you made any significant contributions to your employer? How recent are your accomplishments? Did your boss and others recognize them?

1. Evaluate your worth. Make a list of your accomplishments, skills and contributions.

2. Arm yourself with information. Know what a normal raise is for someone of your experience and occupation.

3. Assess your supervisor's mood and outlook. Is he or she ready to consider your request?

4. Choose an appropriate time of day. Make an appointment or ask if there are a few minutes to spare. Plan for an end-of-business-day meeting.

5. Consider asking for a specific amount that's a little higher than what you want. Say 8 percent when you would be happy with 6 percent.

6. Be realistic. If your company is going through tough times but you still feel deserving, decide how you'll respond if a lower amount is offered.

7. Be flexible. Would you consider a supplement in perks, time off, flextime or vacation time in lieu of a raise? Negotiate.

8. If your supervisor turns you down, have a plan ready and regroup.

Once you have completed the evaluation, devise an approach that you feel comfortable with pursuing. Take note of information that will help your case and use it in discussions.

Hope this helps,

Reigen

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho.

I dont really understand why you should have to ASK for a raise. I would think your employer would have a salary scale they are following and raises should come with your yearly eval. Usually they do and to be able to justify them giving you any more is about impossible.

However,, it wont hurt to arrange a meeting with your nurse manager and ask to evaluate your pay scale. Let her pull out the papework and show you where you stand on their pay scale. Dont for any purposes tell her "so n so said she gets this or that". That will only serve to cause problems between not only you and your co-worker when she gets reamed for talking about her wages, but will cast you in a bad light with administration for concerning yourself with others wages.

Consider maybe the other nurse may have some certifications that you dont, and maybe dont know she has, warrenting a higher starting salary. Just a thought.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I think both Reigen and Meownsmile gave you some great advice to consider. I would add the following ...

Instead of saying, "So-and-so told me that she gets ..." and causing trouble, you could say, "I have heard rumors that some of the new hires are being paid more than those of us who have worked here for a while. These rumors can be really bad for morale and I wanted to come to you to learn the truth about my compensation and how it fits within the general salary scale."

Emphasize how much you enjoy working there and that you are simply investigate the situation and trying to find out if there is anything you can do to increase your compensation. How is compensation determined? How would you go about earning more money within that system? Do you need to be taking on more responsibility to qualify for more compensation? etc.

That way, the meeting does not become antagonistic. You are expressing your support for the organization and your desire to be a valuable employee. You are also alerting the manager to a potential morale problem that she might want to address in a general way before it becomes a crisis. And ... you will learn valuable information that can help you determine your next move.

Good luck,

llg

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Specializes in Med/Sug, Long Term Care.
I think both Reigen and Meownsmile gave you some great advice to consider. I would add the following ...

Instead of saying, "So-and-so told me that she gets ..." and causing trouble, you could say, "I have heard rumors that some of the new hires are being paid more than those of us who have worked here for a while. These rumors can be really bad for morale and I wanted to come to you to learn the truth about my compensation and how it fits within the general salary scale."

Emphasize how much you enjoy working there and that you are simply investigate the situation and trying to find out if there is anything you can do to increase your compensation. How is compensation determined? How would you go about earning more money within that system? Do you need to be taking on more responsibility to qualify for more compensation? etc.

That way, the meeting does not become antagonistic. You are expressing your support for the organization and your desire to be a valuable employee. You are also alerting the manager to a potential morale problem that she might want to address in a general way before it becomes a crisis. And ... you will learn valuable information that can help you determine your next move.

Good luck,

llg

I appreciate this thread and all the great suggestions. I have never asked for a raise but have been thinking about it for awhile now.

Thanks again!

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