Having periodical adjustments on your salary as a nurse is important for career and financial growth. Negotiating one’s salary as a nurse can be quite challenging — even for seasoned nurses with years of work experience. To guide you, here are the ins and outs of negotiating the best salary package as a nurse.

Why should I negotiate for the best salary package as a nurse?

There are cases when the workload is too much but you are not properly compensated through your salary. Some nurses also earn more qualifications through training and further studies which may call for a higher salary package.

Workload, experience, training, certifications, and specialized skills are among the factors for one’s nursing salary. If you feel more confident about your skills or you feel that you deserve more because of the tasks at hand, then it is time for you to start negotiating. 

Newbies and seasoned nurses alike have the right to negotiate the best salary package. Before doing so, one must be aware of the ins and outs of negotiating the best salary package as a nurse.

What part of my salary package can I negotiate with my employer?

Aside from your basic pay or your hourly rate, you can also negotiate the different benefits and incentives that come with your salary package. 

Negotiate your paid time off which includes your sick leaves, vacation, parental leave, and other days off that apply to you. You may also talk to your employer about your preferred shifts and if a flexible schedule is possible.

On top of that, you can also negotiate financial costs such as travel expenses and tuition reimbursement should you choose to finish further studies. Scrubs and other equipment may also be negotiated if you want to push for provisions from your employer.

When can I negotiate the best salary package as a nurse?

Part of knowing the ins and outs of negotiating the best salary package as a nurse is to negotiate at the right time. So the question is when?

At the hiring stage

During the hiring process, potential employers will give you job offers and present the pay rate, incentives, and benefits that come with the job. You can already start negotiating at this stage, especially if you are not satisfied with their offer.

During your yearly performance evaluation

Workplaces typically have a yearly review of how their employees are faring. If your annual review yields good results, take this as a sign for you to negotiate and ask for a raise or better benefits.

When you have earned certificates or further studies

Nurses who take graduate studies, certifications, or training can ask for a pay raise. Further education gives you merit and makes you more bankable as a nurse. This is because you have additional knowledge and skills that give you an edge over the others.

Before negotiating, do your research first!

An important step that you should not miss in negotiating the best salary package as a nurse is to do due diligence with your research. First, know more about your job position and current industry trends.

How much are the nurses with the same position being paid in your state or city? What are the average salaries of the top nursing positions in 2023? If you are a travel nurse, what is the usual rate per state? There are many resources online or you may also ask the nurses that you know.

If you are applying for a new job, check how long the position has been open. There is more room for flexibility and negotiation for positions that are hard to fill.

Keep track of your accomplishments

For you to market yourself as someone worthy of a higher salary package, you must know what you can bring to the table. To do this, have a quick review of your accomplishments and qualifications.

Do you have new educational achievements such as post-graduate studies? Did you recently earn certifications and training that make you highly skilled? Are there specialized skills that you can do?

Have a quick review of your professional accomplishments through the years or in your current position. What are your contributions to your hospital or medical facility?

Steps in negotiating the best salary package as a nurse

Since you have an idea of the ins and outs of negotiating the best salary package as a nurse, it’s time to learn how to do the actual negotiation. Here is a quick rundown of what happens.

1. Thank the company for the opportunity that they have given you.

2. Explain to your employers why you like working at their medical facility.

3. Present what you can offer as a nurse. Show your skills and qualifications. If you are seeking a promotion, share what you have accomplished for your facility.

4. Politely tell your employers what your counteroffer is or what items you want to negotiate.

5. End your negotiation with gratitude and thank them for their time.

What happens if they say no?

Medical facilities operate on a fixed budget so there are instances where they may decline your offer. Do not take it against you. If you like your workplace, see how you can grow professionally and achieve your desired pay package.

Know your worth and be polite

The negotiation process can be challenging and at times, uncomfortable. Know the ins and outs of negotiating the best salary package as a nurse such as what to ask for and when to do it. Always present yourself as an asset and don’t forget to always be polite and gracious.