Do extra certifications make a difference in pay?

Specialties Med-Surg

Published

Does obtaining additional certifications/ce credits open new/more doors or make a difference in pay?

Specialty certifications can open more doors if you are looking for jobs in that specialty. Some facilities offer certification differentials, but most do not.

They do not make any difference here. It is unfortunate.

Very few facilities pay extra for extra certifications. A lot of managers do hire based on certifications. - no extra $, just moves you up on the list of qualified candidates.

I got my first CCU job because I already had ACLS, and the director knew she wouldn't have to send me for it and hope I passed the first time.

I may be the exception, but my extra certifications make me feel better about me. I know I have that knowledge, and nobody can take it from me. I feel better prepared, and know that when the feces hits the fan I am just a little more ready than I would have been if I didn't have that extra little bit.

Just my $0.02

ken :devil:

Thanks for your replies guys :)

Specializes in OB, Telephone Triage, Chart Review/Code.

I get 25 cents more for being NRP certified.

Specializes in Med-Surg/Tele/LTC.

It does where I work at a state "charity" facility and goes like this:

1.50/hr per certification- ACLS, PALS and approved certs like NAACG,CCRN,ANA etc. with a max of 3.00/hr

We also have what they call domicile pay which is 3.00/hr if you work certain areas including med/surg and up to 3.00/ for longevity which is based on how long you've worked here. And our total of "premium" pay can't exceed 7.00/hr.

At my first nursing job (geez, was it really over 10 years ago?) we received $0.50/hr for an RNC certification. When I figured it out, that meant almost $1000/yr extra! The test was $300 so I figured I would do it.

But when it came up for renewal, I was no longer at that facility, traveling and I no longer did Med-Surg (there are many specialities that will get you an RNC). So I let it lapse! But for about 3 years, it did pay for itself and more!

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

We get .50/hour more for certification or for a BSN. They like charge nurses to have a BSN or certification, so it may help open doors, but not usually.

Well, the answer is no here also. I am ACLS, PALS, currently doing BLS instructor class, chemotherapy certified, certified in care of the bariatric patient, etc. etc... too many to list. I get nothing extra. :uhoh21:

Well, the answer is no here also. I am ACLS, PALS, currently doing BLS instructor class, chemotherapy certified, certified in care of the bariatric patient, etc. etc... too many to list. I get nothing extra. :uhoh21:

Very few facilities pay extra for extra certifications. A lot of managers do hire based on certifications. - no extra $, just moves you up on the list of qualified candidates.

I got my first CCU job because I already had ACLS, and the director knew she wouldn't have to send me for it and hope I passed the first time.

I may be the exception, but my extra certifications make me feel better about me. I know I have that knowledge, and nobody can take it from me. I feel better prepared, and know that when the feces hits the fan I am just a little more ready than I would have been if I didn't have that extra little bit.

Just my $0.02

ken :devil:

I agree with you Ken. Although it would be nice ot have the extra moola I would feel better about myself knowing I do have the extra knowledge. It would gain me more confidence in my abilities as well.
+ Add a Comment