Pay rate is significantly higher...

What does this usually mean?

I had a phone interview with an imaging center that is nationwide. I asked what a ballpark hourly wage they offer. She asked me what I make. (it's slightly higher than starting salary for RN in hospital) Sounded like she was looking info up and said "oh it's, significantly higher".

How do I know when I go into an interview what is their starting RN pay without short changing myself. I feel like know they could pay me a heck of a lot less than maybe they're willing to pay for whomever b/c I make so much less than what they offer.

Frankly, I'm surprised I was always told that hospital nurses make the most in this area. (LTC makes the same) but clinic and office nurses make so much less. (except for the clinics owned by the hospital, those nurses make about the same)

Thanks, and sorry but I didn't want to threadjack the other thread about salaries.
Call HR and ask what their starting salary is.. Many places it is a set rate for X amount of years experiance or X amount for a new grad..

It is really bad form to discuss salary this early in the negotiations.

Also remember that a significanlty higher rate of pay could very well mean a significantly higher cost of living. Research the cost of rent, gas etc. in the area of your prospected job compared to your current location.

Quote from laurah4kAlso remember that a significanlty higher rate of pay could very well mean a significantly higher cost of living. Research the cost of rent, gas etc. in the area of your prospected job compared to your current location.

Quote from laurah4kAlso remember that a significanlty higher rate of pay could very well mean a significantly higher cost of living. Research the cost of rent, gas etc. in the area of your prospected job compared to your current location.

Quote from GM2RNAgree. Besides, her definition of "significantly higher" may differ "significantly" from yours, or mine.I also agree that it's way too early to discuss wages. And, by telling them what your current wage is, you have given them the advantage when the appropriate time does come.

Quote from Kitty HawkOkay then how do you avoid that? When I was filling out the online application there was a spot that I had to fill in what I currently make, no way around that it had a "red asterisk" which meant mandatory field. One way or another they'd know that and it does seem to put me at a possible unfair disadvantage. It's not the first time I've heard that expression but an interview I went on before my hospital job was roughly 5.00 more per hour. However they were also looking for significantly more experience why they wasted their time interviewing me, I'll never know. I just wondered what people's experiences were. Seems the consensus is to shut my mouth and let them talk.

And as an aside, some places will upfront tell you what they're willing to pay. Fact is, if she would have said something less than what I make, it would make my decision right now that I couldn't take it, right now at this point. Maybe later I could take a pay cut but not now. So I wouldn't wast my and their time interviewing. I didn't think it was a totally out of line question as it has to be enough to offset my insurance. Case in point my previous job was about 600.00 a month in insurance out of my check. My current job is about 50.00. Huge difference I may be willing to break even but it would be nice to have a little more.

Quote from Kitty HawkAnd as an aside, some places will upfront tell you what they're willing to pay. Fact is, if she would have said something less than what I make, it would make my decision right now that I couldn't take it, right now at this point. Maybe later I could take a pay cut but not now. So I wouldn't wast my and their time interviewing. I didn't think it was a totally out of line question as it has to be enough to offset my insurance. Case in point my previous job was about 600.00 a month in insurance out of my check. My current job is about 50.00. Huge difference I may be willing to break even but it would be nice to have a little more.

Quote from GM2RNI have thought the same thing about wasting time, but sometimes you just have to go through the process.Some interviewers are really put off by an interviewee asking about pay too early in the process, so it could affect your chances of getting a second interview or a job offer. The problem is, if you don't get the interview or offer, you will never know if it had anything to do with your question. Better to play it safe if you are seriously considering the position. On the other hand, if they bring it up first, all bets are off.

Quote from Kitty HawkThank for the thoughts. I really would have thought esp in this economy it was a reasonable consideration. They seemed very laid back even their company profile prides themselves on that attitude but I appreciate the alternate view.I guess it goes back to something another poster said in my other thread. "one door closes another opens" I have to believe all happens for a reason. Unfortunately good or bad I have other consideratons this year. I have long weekends already scheduled for family graduations/wedding with plane tickets that are not a problem where I currently work. My summer vacation is booked, I guess it all depends on what and who they're looking for and the concessions either side is willing to make. Thanks again I do appreciate the insight.

I called a dialysis clinic and asked what the salary was, she said they didn't discuss it over the phone, I said knowing the salary determines whether or not I even apply, she told me the salary.I've called local hospitals and asked the PRN rate, which they gave me. I don't think it's out of line to try to find out the starting salary, and sometimes by asking you receive.