How do I ask for a raise?

I've been working as a nurse for several years, ownership of our hospital has changed and there are fewer nurses than we need (a rather common problem). I am one of the middle range of experience and want to ask for a raise. According to salary.com median pay for a nurse in my area is about $25/hour which is more than I make. How do I ask my manager for a raise?

Well you have some problems right from the get go.
First most places that employ more then 40 or more people have a guide line. And thats what they Use to be Fair ( Not really fair its a way so they dont have to deal with the problems or a raise)
2nd In your area It might be 25 an hour. But you know that and You still work there.
3rd since onwership has changed ( If it has been within the last few Yrs well then they aint lookin to give money out they are Looking in to how to save money and make more money for themselves
But with all this you do have some choices.
You can find Another job. Or when Talking to your new manager ask him/her In a nice way ( I was wondering how the new ownership works Will the job titles we have be the same. If so is there a way to move up the ladder? )
And how long have you been there If it has been 10 years and You used to get a raise every year Tehn kindly ask them If it is going to be the same and if not then what are the new changes going to be.
( But remember some owners Think strangly) Like I just got this place and the first thing they want to do is make me give them a raise and then your a problem. I guess it all depends on how they act towards you. Whenever you want something in life Just dont go out and say I WANT A RAISE. You need to get a feel for how the people are and what they are doing with others. You can also try and i know this sounds funny But say something like I have been here for 6 yrs now and I wanted to know about my raise I know you wanted to pay me 65 a hour but For right now 25 will do. Make them laugh and smile. Its a ice breaker.
I know nurses are short but this does not mean you should be getting paid more cause you do more work. Im not saying this in a mean way. Life is priceless And you should get paid for your skills. But owners look at it this way. You get paid for what you do some days might be bad and some good. ( if they said ok i will give you a raise to 25 a hour but when the days are slow and you are not really doing anything then you will only make 7.50 a hour. You would be like HE** no. ) Dont go in and make it sound like give me a raise or else. You might end up with something Like NO JOB AT ALL. But with all this info. Be nice and ask nice dont beat around the bush. Its a fair question to ask for a raise Or Maybe ask When do you see the company giving me a raise. ( This is Not right But My GF got a raise it was funny how she did it though. She told he boss she was going to school for some night classes and she was getting grants and 1 of the questions was do you plan on getting a raise in the next year. So she went to work and told her boss she was going to school and getting grants and what the question was and he told her yes you will be. And she got her raise and then some) This is a little white lie But its like asking but not really asking for a Raise

tell him what u said here, u can always ask. never shot is always a miss!

If you ask in writing, outlining your capabilities, duties and abilities, and ask for the response to be in writing then you will forego the difficulties of a face to face plea and retain written proof of your question and answer for future reference.

ask the boss for a feedback session, state all that you have done/do that is good, tell what the market has to offer you in pay, and that you are happy working where you are, but would like to recieve what is fair for your services.

If your supervisor is happy with your preformance and needs your services to be continued, you will get the raise. If you don't get a raise, then at least get a good feedback as to why not and make your decision to start looking for a better job.