During a nursing shortage, it would seem that a nurse would be more likely to receive a generous salary. However, the healthcare industry is very competitive, and expenses are high. In many cases, the best salaries go to the individuals with the best negotiating skills.

Know What You Are Worth

Before you approach your nursing supervisor or human resources director, figure out the average salary for a nurse with your duties, qualifications and experience. You can use one of the many online salary calculators that take into consideration the area in which you live and what type of duties you have to provide.

Once you know what other nurses in your field are earning, you should consider whether there are other factors that could affect your overall value to your supervisors. Are you routinely available to start early, stay late, or pick up extra shifts? Do you have specialized training that allows you to perform extra duties? All of these aspects factor into the potential salary you could receive.

Establish Your Priorities

Money is not the only benefit that can be negotiated. In addition to salary, you can negotiate for more vacation time, particular shifts, and education reimbursement. If being home when your kids return from school is important to you, you may prefer to forgo a raise and take only day shifts. Or, if earning an advanced degree is a goal, tuition reimbursement may be more important to you than extra personal days. No one has the same priorities, only you can decide what you want. It is important to think about these things before entering into salary negotiations, so that you are prepared during your meeting.

Establish Your Value

What do you bring to your job that no one else can? It can be as obvious as being bilingual, or as simple as being able to handle bad-tempered patients. Whatever your strengths, you need to recognize them and make them know to your employers. If you do not know your strengths, you cannot expect anyone else to. Arrive for your salary negotiation meeting with a clear idea of what strengths you bring to your company, and what it would take to replace you. Use these skills to clearly establish your value to your employer. Do not assume that they know all of your duties; often the people that make these decisions are not involved in the day to day management of the facility. It is important to set yourself apart from other employees without saying anything negative about them, just focus on yourself and your achievements.

Hone Your Communication Skills

Why is one nurse able to negotiate a higher rate of pay, have weekends off and still be loved by the supervisors, while another takes the initial salary offer, works every weekend and is not even sure that her boss knows her name? Generally, there is one difference: communication skills. While superior clinical skills are certainly important for a nurse, in order to stand out and be respected you must polish the business side of your personality as well. A significant part of this process is developing your communication skills.

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