How Registered Nurses Should Ask for a Raise
By Lee Soren, contributor
Asking for a raise can be one of the more daunting conversations you'll face during your RN career, but with preparation and practice, it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Learn how to increase your odds of successfully negotiating your salary with these seven tips.
1. Do your research before asking for a raise
Before you approach this conversation, research and understand your market value. Forbes suggests using compensation comparison sites such as PayScale to examine pay trends for RNs with similar experience in comparable organizations in your region.
It's also important to understand the factors that can affect an RN's salary, including:
- Facility location and type
- Education and experience
- Position and level of responsibility
- Specialties and certifications
- Shift differentials
- Hazardous work conditions
By being prepared to discuss any relevant factors and how they may impact a salary increase, you demonstrate to higher-ups how serious you are about your request and your career in general.
2. Consider your employer's priorities
Merit is key when asking for a raise. Employers want to reward reliable, high-performing employees. Although that can mean different things to different bosses, it will likely include one or more of the following elements:
- Longevity: While longevity refers to your length of employment, employers are also interested in the future. Focus on your career trajectory, and show an interest in advancement and having a solid future within the organization.
- Safety record: Highlight a stellar safety record. Be sure to include any safe practices you've facilitated or implemented in your department.
- Certifications: Particularly if you're a specialty nurse, let your employer know about any relevant certifications you've received since your last pay adjustment.
- Teamwork: Healthcare facilities want team players. Prepare examples of ways in which teamwork factors into your daily routine.
- Patient satisfaction scores: If you consistently rank high on patient satisfaction scorecards, now's the time to flaunt it.
- Attitude and reliability: This can include things such as a perfect attendance record and pitching in when you see a need — whether or not you're asked.
- Responsibility: Taking on and effectively executing additional responsibilities can help you stand out on the job. If you've gone above and beyond, make sure your boss knows about it.
3. Prepare ahead
Once you've done your research, prepare talking points so you can deliver them effectively, paving the path to your ultimate request for more money. Include relevant examples and don't hesitate to bring documentation, such as thank you letters from patients, work commendations or other industry recognition.
Settle on a realistic dollar amount to request. This gives your employer a place to start the negotiation and may make it more likely you get a counteroffer rather than an outright no.
4. Practice your conversation
Although it may feel awkward, practicing your pitch can help you look polished and prepared when you meet with your boss or HR department. It may also help settle your nerves.
Rehearse your talking points and consider the responses you might get. Better yet, have a family member or trusted friend play the role of your manager so you can practice addressing any concerns or questions that come your way during the negotiation process.
5. Be professional
Schedule your meeting when neither you nor your boss will feel rushed, and thank your boss for taking the time to talk. Most importantly, keep the conversation friendly, positive and professional.
6. Know what to do if the answer is no
Unfortunately, sometimes the answer is no, but don't be discouraged. A salary raise isn't the only way to reap benefits from a conversation with your boss.
If an immediate raise is out of the question, request an interim performance review, which may still mean a salary increase earlier than your next annual appraisal. You might also consider asking for other benefits, such as additional vacation time or opportunities for professional development.
If you really need to increase your income, ask about picking up shifts that offer night differentials.
7. Consider travel nursing
Travel nursing offers adventurous professionals a unique opportunity for higher pay. In addition to having a higher pay scale than traditional full-time RNs, travel nurses often receive additional benefits, including travel reimbursements, complementary housing (or a housing stipend) and completion bonuses. Regions with severe nursing shortages or positions that require a rapid response, such as disaster relief efforts, may offer even higher pay.
If you're ready to explore a lucrative career as a travel nurse, search TravelNursing.com's broad database of jobs for your ideal assignment.