Why such a difference in pay????

Published

Ok, so i posted about this job interview yesterday and how i needed to leave my current job during lunch, etc. Here's the link if you want to read it: Need Help Coming up with an Excuse!! - Nursing for Nurses

Well, my friend who is working as a tech there (only for a few weeks) is making $17/hr and will get paid $25/hr once her license is available. So, she assumed I would be paid the same too. Well, when I talked with the manager, she told me $18-$20 to start!!! What?? Why such a huge difference? AND it's only prn right now.. so averaging 32 hours a week.. you'd think they'd pay more. My friend is confused as to why there's such a difference and she's going to ask about her pay on thursday when she goes back to work (after her vacation). I didn't have much time to discuss money details b/c I had to come home and pump and go back to work... but I plan on calling her tomorrow to negotiate a bit and see where it gets me. Do you know why there would be such a difference in the offer?

btw, this is at an endoscopy center.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

I personally would not let the manager know that your friend has disclosed her salary. Your friend could be in deep doo-doo for doing that.

It's possible that your prn status could explain the discrepancy in salary (if there is indeed a difference - your friend might be mistaken). It's conventional for prn staff to be paid more than permanent employees, but I have seen the converse as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I personally would not let the manager know that your friend has disclosed her salary. Your friend could be in deep doo-doo for doing that.

It's possible that your prn status could explain the discrepancy in salary (if there is indeed a difference - your friend might be mistaken). It's conventional for prn staff to be paid more than permanent employees, but I have seen the converse as well.

Oh.. no no no. I am definitely noy saying a word about what my friend told me.

I asked her if she heard her right, and she said yeah... that the manager said $24-$26 an hour to start. And that she thinks starting her off at $24/$25 would be good. So I don't know.. don't really understand.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

Did you disclose how much you're making now? Maybe the manager knows how much office nursing pays. If they know you're willing to work for less that is what they may offer you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.

Im not sure...maybe she is trying to to get a deal?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

While I agree with the other posts, I have a little different theory. The hospital may see your friend as just getting a promotion, where as you are a new hire. This simple difference could be the key between the pay grades.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This would not be the first employer to lowball a prospective employee, nor will it be the last. If they do not amend the amount, you will not be satisfied, knowing that someone else is getting more. It would always be in the back of your mind.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That's a big difference in starting pay. My thought is that they are trying to hire you for less based on your current pay. When negotiating with your new boss, you could mention that in your research of pay scales in the area, you've found $24-26 to be the norm for your experience level.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh sorry jusr reread the initial post. Id ask if the starting salary is negotiable and let them know its a bit low for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I thought with a specialty clinic they would pay more... and especially since I'm only going to get around 32 hours with NO paid time off (until I become full-time.. who knows when that'll be) I really do need more per hour. Since she said $18-$20, I was thinking of asking for $22/hr and explain that my hours aren't guaranteed and I won't be having any paid time off. Also, I'm making around what she's offering me at the family practice! I just think it's too low.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Who is per diem? Here per diems get a little more pay because they do not receive the benefits-medical/dental like the full-time or part-time. If your friend is per diem then that explains her higher pay. If you are the per diem then it makes no sense. Your pay should be higher. You mentioned your friend will receive higher pay when license comes through, is your license already through? If so it is...Strange.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Who is per diem? Here per diems get a little more pay because they do not receive the benefits-medical/dental like the full-time or part-time. If your friend is per diem then that explains her higher pay. If you are the per diem then it makes no sense. Your pay should be higher. You mentioned your friend will receive higher pay when license comes through, is your license already through? If so it is...Strange.

My friend got this job b/c she has a friend who works there, and they hired her a few weeks after graduation. They put her on as a tech b/c she didn't have her license. She just tested last week and should get her license by the end of this week or next. And they hired her full-time. I'M the one who will be working PRN.. and yes, I've had my license since Sept 10th.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion