Re: Head nurse

FINNIGAN — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 12:23:13 GMT

It has helped greatly many thanks x

Re: Head nurse

Alison Clare Hickman — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 10:49:40 GMT

Dear Finnigan,

Firstly, congratulations on your appointment.. it is you, yes? I am assuming so!

In my experience it ranges from low end at about £18k to upper end at about £26-27k. Depends on what part of the country you work in, local rates, your own level of qualification (e.g. surgical/medical Diploma etc),private/corporate practice and size of practice plus what you are expected to do in the job!

Tbh, I'd primarily concentrate on negotiating the job role aspects initially; that way you can then adjudge what additional duties/responsibilities are expected of you above and beyond the 'regular' nurse (and take their upper salary range as your starting point). Also consider negotiating what benefits you might attract as well as 'in-charge' status can offer things such as a dedictated parking space, a paid for mobile phone or increased CPD budget for example... Factor in salary reviews and the basis upon which these will be conducted (performance related, annual, ad-hoc etc). Once I had a full and comprehensive idea of the job I felt in a far better position to negotiate with my boss what my salary should be.

A couple of tips i've picked up along my (long) way in life (hahaha - I am Tribal Elder status now...) is to bring a raft of ideas to the negotiating table; improvements, savings, restructuring plans, etc - shows positivity. If met with an outright "No" don't immediately capitulate; ask politely for reasons why it's a "No" and you might find another way in. Also, don't accept the first offer; ask for time to reflect on the deal. It's okay to say "No, thanks" yourself too! Look at the impact the increased responsibility will have on your life outside of work too and factor this into your 'expected package' (e.g. if you are expected to cover staff absences that cannot be covered by anyone else - travelling requriements to satellite branch surgeries... being disturbed by 'sick' calls from staff outside of work hours to advise you they cannot come in...etc etc).

Well, I've rambled on long enough. Hope some of this helps!

Warmest regards

Ali h