You’ve been on the job for a while now. You frequently receive recognition for the high quality of your work. Your patients adore you; your colleagues respect you. But when it comes to your paycheck, you’re not feeling the love.
Or, maybe you found out that a colleague is earning more than you are. Or maybe you were promised an increase that you have yet to see…
…whatever the reason, you want to ask for a raise.
How to ask for a pay raise
Make an appointment with your manager
Don’t approach your manager without an appointment. If they are running out of the door, they’ll be unable to give you her full attention.
For an important matter such as this, you need to set aside a specific time and date to have a conversation.
Present Your Case
You need to prove to your manager that you, and your contributions, are vital to the success of the facility. Demonstrate your value and work history in writing. Document any and all of the following proof-points:
- New or additional work responsibilities
- Overtime and/or willingly covered shifts at a moment’s notice
- New certifications earned
- Perfect attendance record
Other things to consider
Your manager’s hands may be tied
Your manager may wholeheartedly support your salary increase request. However, they may have little power to influence the folks in upper management, particularly if they follow strict policies and procedures around pay raises.
Your offer package was more than just salary
Yes, you deserve more. But have you considered all the benefits that come with the job— like your retirement fund, cost of benefits, shift flexibility and other perks? What about the relationships you’ve fostered with the surgeons, doctors and your own colleagues? Before you jump ship, take a fair and balanced inventory of all you’d be leaving behind. You know what they say, money isn’t everything. Sometimes a lower salary puts more money into your pocket each month than one elsewhere at a higher rate of pay with fewer benefits.
The future
Here’s the good news. The need for qualified NNPs is projected to grow to 31% by the year 2022 — higher than the average nursing growth rates. Conversely, the number of NNP graduates has been on the decline.
This unique set of circumstances — a rise in staffing needs combined with a shortage of available talent — can improve your negotiating leverage in the very near term.
So at the very least, you have a future that promises job security. And there’s a good possibility you’ll be better positioned to command a higher salary.
Unfortunately, presenting your case doesn’t necessarily ensure you’ll receive positive results. You may need to find a new job or move to a location where salaries are known to be higher.
In the meantime, remind yourself why you took this path in the first place. You belong to an elite group of practitioners who enjoy the spiritual and emotional benefits that come when bringing new life into the world, every day. Now that’s something to be encouraged about!
Have any tips of your own for asking for a pay raise? Leave them in the comments below! And, if you’re interested in free career coaching (including offer negotiation), give us a call at 888.NNP.JOBS.
