A New Nurse’s Guide to Benefits

If you’re a traditional new grad, you may be seriously lost.

Finding The Point by Vlad Deep

Stepping into the world of nursing as a new graduate is both exhilarating and daunting. While your education has armed you with clinical skills and knowledge, the practicalities of choosing your first job can be a minefield, especially when you’re evaluating potential benefits.

I know mine was.

I just knew that benefits weren’t really a good leverage point in my first job since I’m young.

Maybe you’re in this exact scenario. Beyond the lure of a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package can sometimes play a pivotal role in your overall job satisfaction and career trajectory.

At the very least, due to really competitive rates depending on your hospital, benefits could potentially even justify a lower salary.

Here’s a “top 5” guide to help you think about benefits most suited to your needs! Comment or give me some love on this article if you feel this helped give you a little more clarity in your very first job search :)

Comprehensive Dental, Vision, and Medical Insurance

Your health is paramount. Ensure the potential employer offers a comprehensive health insurance package that includes dental and vision. The devil’s advocate says that if you’re young, you could definitely take the cheapest option available so it won’t hurt your biweekly bag.

Some questions to consider:

1. What is the coverage like? Are there a variety of plan options to suit different needs?
2. How much will be deducted from your paycheck for these benefits?
3. Is there an option to include family members?
4. Can I justify a comprehensive insurance plan and my current salary offer?

Retirement Plans

While retirement might seem a distant reality, starting early can yield significant long-term benefits.

Seriously. Check out this graph of a new-grad who saves for retirement starting at 25 vs a person who starts saving for retirement at 35.

Look for employers who offer:

1. 401(k) or 403(b) plans with a company match.
2. Investment education and financial planning resources.

And it’s a no brainer to ask your company what types of rollover options are available should you choose to move to a new job in the future. Super important stuff, especially the logistics of how this money moves with you!

Professional Development Opportunities

Continuous learning is a cornerstone of nursing. The right employer will invest in your growth.

This includes your potential CCRN, PALS, any certification you would need in order to advance in your career (and the cost of these certifications individually average at least $300+ out of pocket, so it would be nice to have someone care enough to take that out of your decisionmaking).

Seek out:

1. Tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees or specialty certifications.
2. In-house training programs and workshops.
3. Opportunities to attend conferences or seminars.

Paid Time Off (PTO) and Scheduling Options

Work-life balance is crucial to avoid burnout. Even more importantly, you may want to do something with your time now that you’re more stable.

You can’t do those things if you’re worked to death, or not making what you anticipated.

Ensure your prospective jobs offer:

1. Adequate PTO that accrues reasonably.
2. Separate sick days or a combined PTO policy.
3. Clear guidelines on how and when you can use your leave.
4. Flexible scheduling or self-scheduling options.
5. Part-time or per diem opportunities.
6. Opportunities for overtime, if desired.

Additional Perks

While these may not be deal-breakers, they can enhance job satisfaction:

1. On-site childcare or childcare discounts.
2. Fitness center memberships or wellness programs.
3. Discounts on products, services, or entertainment.
4. Employee assistance programs (EAP) for counseling or therapy sessions.
5. Stress-reduction or wellness programs.
6. Peer support groups.
7. The nurse-to-patient ratios. Are they safe and manageable?
8. Collaboration between team members and inter-departmental cooperation.
9. Mentorship or residency programs for new grads.
10. A rewards program (or any way that the business gives back to the healthcare workers in any tangible way).

These are all things that you can be super transparent about, and I more than encourage you to ask what kind of benefits your hospital or business offers, whether it be in the initial interview or during the second interview/offer phase!

It would nice to know most if not all of these things in order for you to accurately compare your offers against each other.

See where you would really enjoy working your first few years!

Starting your nursing career is a significant step. While the excitement of your first paycheck is undeniable, it’s essential to look beyond just the salary. A comprehensive benefits package will not only ensure your well-being and professional growth but will also set the tone for a fulfilling nursing journey. As you evaluate potential employers, remember to align their offerings with your long-term goals and personal needs. And always, always prioritize your well-being and growth in the process. It will make loads of difference with how you perceive your job!

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With Love :)