Questions about new management job - overtime/salary

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2011

cheap, cheap, cheap. "first-class facility"? they can afford better than that. time to negotiate.

first: homework.

how much did you earn in your last job with ot? did you work 45-60 hours a week there? how did that feel? is there enough money to make it worth your while?

"only rn in the facility"---hmmmm, a lot of responsibility and potential liability there. why did the last person leave the job and how long was s/he in it?

if the answers to all of the above make you want to continue, and if it's not too late, tell them that for unlimited overtime and responsibility for resolving problems of the past you will expect a higher starting salary of $x, where x = your annual salary with ot for comparable hours, with a review at six months and a 3% raise if benchmarks are being met. (offer to negotiate which) say it as if you mean it, because you do.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2011

It would depend on the area you are working in. What's the average RN salary? What is the cost of living?

Other things to consider- will you be expected to work 45 hours every week? What will your hours be after the paperwork is caught up? How much vacation time is included? Are benefits included?

60,000 dollars a year averages to about 29 dollars per hour if you are working a 40 hour week. Is that reasonable for you? Can you afford your bills, expenses, and insurance on that amount? If you're working 45 hours a week, your wage would be around 25.50. How do you feel about that?

Think about these things, look up average salaries for similar positions, work out a rough budget of you income vs expenses (remember to factor in taxes) and then decide if you need to negotiate up your salary.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Nov 3, 2011

another option would be to negotiate hourly rate till you are "caught up". I get the impression you will never be caught up and will be earning about $15/hr for the time you put in.

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Nov 3, 2011

And how much on-call is required? 24/7?

MomRN0913 · Nov 3, 2011

It does depend on your area,but that seems way underpaid. Especially being the only RN? I was on call and put in 45 hr weeks or more at my last management job. When I wasn't there, on my days off and when I left work, and before work, my phone was RINGING OFF THE HOOK. The $88.5k they paid me wasn't even worth it! On-call for a NM is almost always 24/7.

Do a alot more research about your job duties, what might be arising when you are off that you may need to come in for, how often these occurences happen, was this a position filled by someone prior to you..... What the main issues are that need to be tended to at this time....

The salary seems awfully low, again, I don't know where you love, I live in northern NJ, so it's going to be higher for me, but you need to make sure it is worth it. If management is something you really desire, this may be a good step in the direction for bigger management positions.

Good luck

nola1202 · Nov 3, 2011

negotiate to be paid by the hour, administrative or not. Then they'll want you to control your hours and not have a reason to demand unreasonable.

MrChicagoRN, RN · Nov 3, 2011

Hello,
Does $60,000 seem appropriate for this type of position?
Should I try to negotiate the salary to compensate for the overtime?
Should I get something in writing about the time commitment?
Thanks!

Retirement communities generally don't pay that well compared to acute care. I doubt they'll put in writing much about the time commitment other than the expectation that you do what you need to to get the job done

I know of one major healthcare provider that doesn't pay it's mid-level exempt employees overtime, but does pay straight time over 80 hours ppp. Of course you should try to see if you can sweeten the deal.

Another consideration is the job description and the scope of your duties and responsibilities. If its a community of ambulatory, mostly active seniors in their own apartments, it may be more of an administrative supervisory trouble-shooting type position. It may be a less stressful job compared to most hospital positions.

Questions you need to ask yourself: Is $60,000 an adequate number for you to live on in your area? Exactly what will you be doing, and have you read the complete job description? Will it provide the work-life balance you seek? As a 1st time management position, will it provide you the opportunity to develop the management skills you desire?

joanna73, BSN, RN · Nov 3, 2011

No. 60,000 is not worth it for management and OT thrown in. That's around the starting wage for many new grads who aren't in a management position. I would negotiate that salary.

Jershar · Nov 4, 2011

The prior responses appear to address many issues you will be facing. If you have prior nursing experience then 60k Is definitely a low compensation. Especially if you have to sort out existing issues. Management poisons seldom have 40hr work schedules and are highly demanding. If they plan on giving you a cell phone be prepared for frequent calls from everyone. Definitely try to negotiate a higher salary for this management position. I think 70k-77k would be appropriate.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Nov 4, 2011

Wouldn't it depend on the region? California it would be crap, but in Arkansas it might be pretty good?

merlee · Nov 4, 2011

If they are not willing to pay much more - and even if they are - tell them you want comp time. That is compensatory time off for your overtime hours, to be taken within a set time. So if you are working 5 hours extra a week for 4 weeks, then you will take off 20 hours during the next 4 weeks. You will need this for your mental health and well-being.

And this doesn't mean just leaving early occassionally. 20 hours means leaving at lunch time on Wednesday and coming back on Monday. If they don't like it, base salary sbould be at least $75K.

Don't be afraid - - you are worth it.