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Implementation: Phase 3

Tips for Salary Negotiation

The first step in salary negotiation is to know your value and worth. You can learn this by researching what RNs are making with your level of expertise, years of experience, credential and degrees. How do you find this information? There are several ways.

• The easiest is to go to NurseWeek's salary wizard.
  
• You can also find out salary ranges by looking at job listings for healthcare organizations you are interested on the Web. Most hospitals and healthcare systems will list a salary range for the job.
  
• Talk to other nurses, and in your informational interviews ask them what the ranges are for salaries in their area of specialty.
  
• You need to find out what the entry level, midpoint and top level ranges are for someone with your experience.
  

When Asked About Salary Requirements

• In screening interviews you may be asked what your salary requirements are. Before answering make sure you know what qualifications and level of experience they are looking for, and then see if you can ask the recruiter what the range is before you answer. For example, "Before I tell you my range, could you tell me what the salary range is for the job."
  
• If you have to give an answer, give a broad range. For example, "With my qualifications and level of experience I would expect to be making between $55-65K." Then wait for a response at least 30 seconds.
  
• Also, before the interview you need to keep in mind the whole benefits package, which may include health insurance, disability and life insurance, vacation time, tuition reimbursement, bonuses and other perks. This adds to the overall worth of the position.
  
• As a rule most career specialists advise delaying discussions of salary until you know all you can about the job and what it entails. Then let the manager or recruiter make you an offer.
  If the salary seems too low, instead of rejecting it outright you can say, "I was actually hoping for a higher amount." Then wait for a response. Have a range in mind. The key is to wait for a response and to remain calm.
  
• There are times when the recruiter or hiring manager can find more money either in the package or salary. If you cannot get more salary, try to negotiate on the benefits such as vacation time or a bonus. Also, you can negotiate a starting salary with an increase in three months, six months, and so forth.
  

Other Points To Keep in Mind

• Emphasize your strengths and accomplishments during the negotiation.
  
• Always negotiate salary and benefits with a positive approach.
  
• It is OK to take time to consider an offer ranging from 24 hours to a week.
  
• Ask for the offer in writing so that everything is clearly stated. This can help prevent misunderstandings.
  
• If they won't put the offer in writing, consider drafting a letter of agreement than you send to them, reiterating the verbal offer.
  
• Remember negotiation is a skill that can be learned with practice.