What do you think I should ask for?

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First off, I haven't passed the NCLEX just yet but when I do I have a job offer at an outpatient surgical clinic. While I am a new graduate, I have three years of experience working as a surgical tech. The duties that I did as a tech would be very similar to what I would be doing as a nurse for this clinic. What do you think my starting salary should be? Do you think my three years of experience should factor in? Please share your thoughts. I live in Pittsburgh, PA. :)

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Specializes in NICU.

I would think you'd start out at a new grad RN rate, regardless of skills from a different position.

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I would think you'd start out at a new grad RN rate, regardless of skills from a different position.

I agree with RainDreamer...

You do not have 3 years experience as a nurse. Trust me you will see the difference. I am not a surgical nurse...but I was an er/med-surg/icu tech. I was trained to do many things beside patient care in those positions..I felt i knew as much as nurses...but when I became a nurse on a med acute floor.... I found that there is so much more involvement.....and tons of charting and so much more to learn.

all the best!!!

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Regardless, I don't see that it hurts to ask if they can do any better, given your past experience. The worst they could do is say no, take it or leave it. I asked for more, because of past research experience, and got it as a new grad.

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Thank you for your responses! This is an outpatient clinic where I will be asked to assist in surgery. Actually the very same surgeries that I did as a surgical tech. The other duties are also nearly identical. It's just a different location, larger practice and different doctors that I would be working with. The office I came from had no RNs so I basically performed the same function as a licensed nurse would.

In general I know that hospitals pay more than outpatient clinics. Do you think that asking for $25/hr starting would be a bit much considering all factors? (I'm not exactly sure how much new grad nurses get paid in Pittsburgh anyway but in general it's not on the high side as the cost of living here is much lower than other states).

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Specializes in ER; HBOT- lots others.

you can go on your state site somewhere and look at prices in your area for your job. i cant remember for the live of me- but google it is your best bet!.

GL!

-H-RN

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I am also a pittsburgher. The hospital new grad rate is right around $20, give or take. With over three years of experience, I am not at $25. You can always ask. They can always counter-offer. They aren't going to not want you because you asked too much in a negotiation.

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.
First off, I haven't passed the NCLEX just yet but when I do I have a job offer at an outpatient surgical clinic. While I am a new graduate, I have three years of experience working as a surgical tech. The duties that I did as a tech would be very similar to what I would be doing as a nurse for this clinic. What do you think my starting salary should be? Do you think my three years of experience should factor in? Please share your thoughts. I live in Pittsburgh, PA. :)

Yes, definitely ask and sell yourself!! When I was offered my first RN job, I pointed out all of the similar skills I was already competent in with my past experience with EMS. I was given more money to start, not a lot, but more.

If they say no, then at least you tried. If they say yes, then that's more money in your pocket.

Sell yourself, especially if there is a similar skill set. Negotiate and be assertive!!!

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