While experience certainly impacts nurses' salaries, the years that respondents have spent in their current positions don't reveal much. This makes sense because those who have nurse manager and higher positions in larger institutions usually manage multiple units, sometimes in multiple locations. Also, it's fiscally smart for an organization to pay more money to someone covering multiple units than to pay two or more individuals a lesser salary. Geographic region plays a large role in earning potential. More than half of nurse leaders agree that they receive raises based on merit.
Several respondents receive market-driven raises or bonuses.
The survey didn't include a response for those who receive no raise, but your comments show that some nurse leaders are at the top of their pay scales or work at organizations where pay increases are unpredictable. Topping some nurses' lists are the pressures of growing responsibilities. Nurse leaders express assurance about their knowledge, skills, education, and marketability. Today, this is confirmed by the combination of certifications, degrees, and improvements in cost-effective patient care through clinical and managerial research. Our editors welcome your comments.