ALT-3 Do Nurses Deserve a Raise
Do nurses deserve a raise? Most certainly they do! Will they get one? Sometimes. Nurses like many other professions, are not well paid in comparison to other fields.There is seldom a correlation between salary and the worth of a nurse.
A nurse is usually paid on a scale that can vary, and often depends on the type of nursing you choose to do.This can also be determined by what part of the country you live, and how large the hospital,or institution you work for. Office nursing will probably pay less than hospital nursing,and the hours and schedules will be part of the equation.
In most hospitals, they determine what the going rate is for a new graduate, an L.P.N., R.N. and even nurses aides, according to what the rate is for all hospitals in the area. They do compete for nurses, especially at this time when there is a nursing shortage. Some institutions will give a sign on bonus for a nurse's commitment to the institution.
There are many ways to be recognized in your field, and it is part of the development of a nurse, be alert to the opportunities, take advantage of them and you will see over time, that you will be better compensated for the commitment you have made. But, never expect it to match your true value. This is an impossibility, especially during this time, when healthcare itself is so "sick." You are always worth more and never forget that!
The recognition for advanced degrees and specialized areas of care, should be compensated higher than those who have yet to achieve or choose to defer those goals. Chances are that along with the demanding schedules of this profession, there are ongoing expectations that you will need to maintain competence in handling the newest technology used in patient care, as well as maintaining on-going education in the ever changing world of patient care. It is critical that you remember as a nurse you are expected by all, to maintain and deliver the highest state of the art nursing care. You owe it to yourself and those you care for.
For those nurses who are tired and weary, and those of you that may feel abused, I ask you try to rise above this, always be very proud, see yourself as others see you, the quiet voice, the comforting hand that has the great power to help heal the sick and wounded. See the appreciative ill who find themselves in your care. Make a new commitment to find your rewards from within yourself, and through the care of those entrusted to you. Think of them as if they were your own.
