Things that make you go hmmm...

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Well, I had the hospital verbal job offer by the nurse manager. After my background check passed, I hear back from HR. First thing he says is "We can't offer you what the NM offered for your level of experience." Then asks the dreaded question, "Have you already resigned from your current position?"

"No, I haven't resigned from my current position, and that's not a problem as far as the lower rate...can I negotiate something else with you now?"

"No, I have to talk to the nurse manager about her equity, and the most we could offer you with your experience is $xx. I'll get back to you soon."

So, now what? :eek: Does this mean the position is gone? Or just that I'll be offered a lower rate? And someone please tell me what "equity" is referring to. Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I think it means you probably ought to stay where you are.....if they are jerking you around BEFORE you come on board, one can only imagine what they'll do once you've signed on the dotted line.

Just sayin'.......

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

This is exactly the reason that hiring managers are usually forbidden to make the actual job offer or discuss a specific salary. Because when they make that verbal offer, it basically establishes a formal agreement with the applicant because the manager is an "authorized representative" of the company.

Let me back up a bit.. Compensation has rules in any organization and violation of those rules can get result in big-time EEO lawsuits. The main rule is "internal equity". This means that people doing the same job, with the same general qualifications ... get paid the same amount. An organization's salary structure has to be carefully defined to ensure equity and the structure is reviewed on a regular basis. They also compare it to external (market) sources to make sure that they are competitive. The equity is based upon 'compensable factors' that are used to establish a fair market value for the position. These factors can include things like experience, education, specific skills and knowledge, etc. The factors can be different for different types of positions... for instance, a hospital does not have to consider basic education (AD vs. BSN) for nurses if it is not relevant to a specific position.

What they cannot allow is a manager making independent decisions that are outside the established compensation structure based on his/her own opinions or needs. When this happens, the manager will get a smack-down from the higher-ups because this is a serious breach of practice with potentially very serious consequences. This also means that there is very little room for salary negotiation in most jobs within a large company, particularly in positions that have the most employees.

My opinion? You have the position, but the starting salary is still in question. I just thought knowing what's happening 'behind the curtain' would help decrease the stress a bit. Good luck in your new job.

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Specializes in ER, Card Cath, Oncology.

oh snap, heard that before, they are playing around with what to do with you, i hate that feeilng. could be worse, you could written up for horse crap excuse so that way you have a bad mark on your file and now you can't transfer. sucks.

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If I "have the position" then why would the HR representative ask me if I had already resigned? The NM gave me the verbal offer, and actually referenced a salary sheet. She was not just pulling something "out of a hat" she was looking at presumbly a form that gave salary ranges based on qualifications, experience.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

Sounds like HR is backing out of the job offer.. Could be because of budget cuts, etc.. But it does sound like they are "making" the job less appealing so you will turn it down so they won't have to retract the offer.. IDK, but something sounds off... I would look elsewhere.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Does anyone know what the "equity" reference means?

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She was using a classic "mind screw" by asking you that question. That was her way of throwing you off enough to break the news that you arent getting what you wanted. They may have a "salary sheet" or "matrix" but they probably have differing opinions on where you land on that sheet.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Wahoo!!!! Another thread titled after a song!!! I love it!! Now for a little C&C Music Factory!!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care.
If I "have the position" then why would the HR representative ask me if I had already resigned? The NM gave me the verbal offer, and actually referenced a salary sheet. She was not just pulling something "out of a hat" she was looking at presumbly a form that gave salary ranges based on qualifications, experience.

She may have asked if you had already resigned as she was fearing you would back out of the offer they were making you. I agree with another poster that it sounds like they are going to make you an offer making a bit less. You'll have to do your homework to find out if the offer would be fair.

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Wahoo!!!! Another thread titled after a song!!! I love it!! Now for a little C&C Music Factory!!!!

That was for you Scott! :D I'm glad you noticed. LoL.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

Sounds to me like HR needs to find out from the NM what her budget allows before quoting you a salary.

I like Houston's answer best!

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