Salary offered seems too low

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I was offered a job in the ER working nights. I'm a RN - BSN. The offer was for $18 an hour which is below the 10% average for nurses salaries in my area. I'm going to HR today to fill out some papers and I want to negotiate for a higher salary....any tips? I'm a new grad with out much hospital experience but i did 168 hours of practicum on this ER unit.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

You have nothing to lose by trying: after all, the worst they can say is No. But you have an uphill battle because you lack experience. Yes, you had your practicum there but as far as HR is concerned, that not nursing experience. New grads tend to get paid less at first than experienced nurses, so you can't really rely on what the average RN salary is. Also, it could be that this particular facility happens to be on the lower end of the pay scale.

Still, it couldn't hurt to ask. One thing though...I would avoid issuing ultimatums unless you are prepared to walk away, because the hospital knows there's tons of new grads that would love to take the job at the rate they're offering you. So a threat could backfire.

Good luck!

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WHAT?! where do you live that they're offering 18 an hour for a night shift ER position?!

definitely try to go higher. but dont walk. like the 2nd poster said, they know they can easily give the position to someone else. if it doesnt work out, just take the 18. depending on how desperate you are to find a job.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

When many other cities across the US are paying 22 to 30 an hour, 18 seems ridiculously low. However, in this economy, you need the job. If they aren't willing to offer more, get your experience for a year and move on.

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I was offered a job in the ER working nights. I'm a RN - BSN. The offer was for $18 an hour which is below the 10% average for nurses salaries in my area. I'm going to HR today to fill out some papers and I want to negotiate for a higher salary....any tips? I'm a new grad with out much hospital experience but i did 168 hours of practicum on this ER unit.

what state is this?

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As a new grad, you are not really in the position to negotiate a higher wage. You are in a better positon to negotiate after you have experience as a RN. Clinicals and practica completed as a student really do not count.

New grad wages will be lower than the hourly amount for established nurses. Wages will also vary greatly by the locale. In my state, new grad salaries vary from $28/hour in the DC suburbs (where a 1BR apartment will be over $1200 a month) to $14/hr in Southwest Virginia where you can buy a detached 3BR house for $75K.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Is that base salary? I'm thinking it doesn't include shift-diff.

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Specializes in NICU, Public Health.

$18 is standard base for new grads in my area.

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I agree with you that this is too low, but I also am quite convinced that it is much, much better than not working at all. Look at it as a chance to gain valuable experience which you can use to get a better paying position in the future. Good luck.

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

It depends on the state and area that you live in?

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It definitely depends on where you live..however, I am shocked!! I live in SW Virginia and I know several new grad LPNs who are making more than that! I, personally, believe that although you are inexperienced, you should not settle for such a low salary! Just the thought of an RN with a BSN making $18/hr is mind boggling to me!!

On average in the US, a nurse with a BSN and less than one year of experience makes up to $30/hr or more. Why settle for $18?? However, I do agree with everyone who has said that it's better than not having any job at all..If it were me, I would take the job and continue looking in the meanwhile. Maybe once you mention to your employer that you have considered leaving because you've been presented with a better offer, they will try to match it..

I see that its been a couple of weeks since you've posted this thread..did you take the job??

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That seems low to me as well, but I agree that you should consider taking the job. Especially since it's in the ER rather than somewhere like med/surg.

I also agree that it likely does not include shift diff. In my area, that adds another $5 per hour.

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