Clinical ladder for salary raises?

In order for me to get "salary raises" other than the general wage increase, I have to fulfill some sort of a clinical ladder or extracurricular activities beyond what the job requirements say. Anyone else in the country doing this? If not, how do you get raises? Everytime I get the annual evaluation, I am told I am doing a wonderful job. If I am doing such wonderful job, why don't I just get the raises I deserve without jumping through hoops.

[suzanne4, RN]

Many facilites have clinical ladders. If your hospital has these, then they have standards that need to be met to get a performance raise.

Doing a good job doesn't always cut it any more. You have to keep improving yourself. but remember, your facility is usually picking up the tab for most of the requirements.