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Hi! I'm graduating with my BSN this Summer! Will I get away with negotiating more than the average new grad pay? I'm a veteran with 10 years of ED tech/EMT experience, another BS focused on crisis communication, and my externship is in the NTICU.


March 3rd, 2022

One thing I am definitely learning (and I have 11 years as an RN) MOST DEFINITELY negotiate your pay, make sure the place you are applying to will do wage increases or have opportunities for raises (I have now worked two different hospitals that did not have raises for over 5 years) I was not taught how to negotiate pay, and did not ask those questions on interviews. Lesson learned. I am having to try my hardest to be paid what I’m worth right now. Know your worth!! And congrats on your BSN! 💙

March 13th, 2023

Just an update for y’all. Thanks for all who answered. I got an offer in trauma ICU and ED at a level 1 trauma center at two different hospital systems. Unfortunately their new grad residencies didn’t budge on pay but I’m still happy that I got these offers! I ended up in ED. :)

August 9th, 2022

Thanks for all the answers! I got hired in the trauma ICU I did my externship on and got $5/h more than base and they’re working finding a number for paying me more because I asked for even higher pay in lieu of the benefits package because my spouse has better insurance.

April 25th, 2022

Everyone looking for a job in nursing should negotiate according to what value you would add to the organization. Never ever ever just say ok. Always, especially when they don't budge in the interview...let them know you have to think it over and YOU will get back to Them.

March 3rd, 2022

A new grad is a new grad but, you have lots of experience that will be negotiation power.

March 8th, 2022

I think it depends on your hospital. Here in Sc a new grad BSN makes 50 cents more than A new grad ASN. Really not worth the extra 30,000 in student loan debt, unless they have incentives to pay back loans. Most of our hospitals dropped magnet status and they don’t care if you have a BSN anymore.

June 21st, 2023

First, CONGRATULATIONS! Proud you should be of your accomplishments. Although most will tell you that nursing pay is only based on 'nursing' experience I would submit to you that you are your best steward of your skillset. You are clearly confident, based on your statement, so go out there and let them know you bring much to the table, are ready to go to work, and will be the best person they can hire today! A good employer will throw out the book to bring in a team member who is excited, energetic, experienced, and willing to go the extra mile. If that is you, and it sounds like it is, go out there and share your story. The rest will take care of itself!

June 21st, 2023

Probably not. Nursing pay is strictly based on years of experience in nursing and area of specialty.

March 13th, 2023

I have a similar background.... I became an RN in 2011, my previous experience was a paramedic for 8+ years in both urban/rural 911 services, some occupational med, and also an adjunct instructor for the local technical school EMS program. AS in Paramedicine & BS in Health Sciences. I was higher straight into ER at Level II hospital as well ER in Critical Access Level IV hospital. Both counted my previous years as paramedic towards years of experience. At Level II did a 3/1 and a 2/1 at Critical Access, so basically for either every 3 or 2 years of EMS experience, it counted as 1 year as nursing experience in regards to pay scale/negotiation.

November 3rd, 2022

I would mention your background and ask if you would receive compensation for your extra skills, but if you really want the position at that hospital, dont make it an ultimatum. Good luck!!

August 9th, 2022

Hopefully yes but hospitals usually count your overall RN experience.