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Nurses: Negotiate Your Salary!

Whether you are beginning your career as a nurse, switching jobs or looking for a pay increase, you want a salary that reflects your value as an employee. The thought of negotiating a salary may make you nervous, but leaving your salary up to an employer can lead to a lower figure than you deserve.

Why Should You Negotiate Your Salary?

With your nursing education and preparation, you are a valuable asset to any healthcare organization. The best time to pursue a salary boost is when you change jobs, start a new position or receive a promotion.

Never assume that the employer knows better than you what you’re worth. If you accept the first offer, you may be stuck in a low pay rate that typically will only go up by small increments annually for RNs. In most cases, you can negotiate your salary and ask for other incentives.

Why Nurses Can Negotiate Their Salaries

Nurses have the advantage of being in demand, which gives them job security along with the ability to negotiate their salary. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says the registered nurse job category will add 9% more jobs between 2020 and 2030.

Why does the need for nurses continue? Increasing numbers of patients warrant more nurses to care for them. In addition, people aged 65 and over form the second largest segment of the American population. These patients tend to suffer from chronic health conditions that require long-term medical care. There is also a shortage because more nurses are reaching retirement age, and fewer nurses are enrolling in nursing schools.

What Are Some Tips for Salary Negotiation?

You should gather information before attempting to negotiate your salary, because if you are not knowledgeable about all the details regarding pay statistics and the job description, you may hurt your prospects for reaching an ideal outcome. Before going to an interview or accepting a new job, you should do the following:

  • Research nursing salaries.
  • Learn about what the job entails.
  • Wait for the job offer.
  • Let the employer state the salary amount.
  • Determine a satisfactory salary range.
  • Consider other job benefits.

You should search internet job databases for nursing salaries in your region and network with professionals in healthcare to gain insight into pay ranges.

You do not want to jump ahead to a discussion about salary without a solid job offer. If you try to settle on a salary without the assurance of getting the job, you may lose negotiating power.

When you are sure you want the job, let the employer state the salary for the position. You should know what is the least amount you are willing to accept, so if the salary is too low and negotiation is not possible, you can end the interview. If you agree with the salary they are offering, you should request a salary that is a little above the proposed amount.

In the event that an employer asks you to tell them what you want to earn, you can ask them what the budget is for the position and how much they paid the previous employee. This will give you an idea of a starting number for negotiation.

When you cannot reach the exact salary you want but the amount is adequate, you might be able to negotiate other incentives such as a signing bonus, vacation time, schedule and tuition reimbursement.

Why Your Education and Credentials Can Help You With Salary Negotiations

The recommended level of education for a registered nurse is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Nurses with master’s degrees tend to make more money and work in management and leadership positions.

Other factors that contribute to increasing your earning potential are years of experience, certifications, nursing specialty and shift. Some of the most marketable credentials include:

  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
  • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
  • Nurse Practitioner (NP)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Is There a Pay Gap for Female and Male Nurses?

The 2020 National Nursing Workforce Study conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) in conjunction with the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers found that the median annual salary for female RNs in family health was $75,000, while male RNs were paid $94,000, which is 25% more.

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) published a report explaining the persistent pay gap in America, and showing that women “working full time in the U.S. are still paid just 82 cents to every dollar earned by men.” While statistics vary slightly from study to study, a 2020-updated version revealed that women in every occupation and every socioeconomic group contend with a pay gap.

According to the Pew Research Center, the gender pay gap has persisted in the U.S. for the past 15 years. Women make an estimated 16 cents less than men per hour. While the gender pay gap has started to shrink, it has done so slowly and will take time to disappear altogether.

You deserve good compensation for the work you perform as a nurse. During your career, you may have incurred student debt, endured a grueling work schedule, and sacrificed personal time to obtain certification in a specialized field of nursing. You should not be afraid to negotiate a salary that meets your financial requirements. Before negotiating, do your homework, then forge ahead without wavering until you settle on the income and job perks you need and desire.

Learn more about the UTA online BSN program.


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