Do 'goodlooking' nurses earn better salaries?

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I found this article on yahoo today. It says that goodlooking people are better paid than average-looking and below average-looking people :uhoh21:.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050407/ap_on_bi_ge/looks_and_pay

Seems pretty silly to me, but considering the superficial society we live in these days, maybe not. I read a similar article about a year ago, and I was wondering if this happens in healthcare, too. I was surprised to read that studies were actually done to prove that below-average looking people earn 9% less than average-looking people. Also, that height matters more among men and weight matters more among women since the studies show that taller men are preferred, and that obese women make about 17% less than women of average weight. I'm wondering how they put these studies together. I can't imagine that any employer would openly admit to doing this.

Any opinions?

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Specializes in LTC, sub-acute, urology, gastro.
:rolleyes: I very much doubt that this occurs in healthcare today - nurses earn better salaries through continued education & experience... most nurses know their facilities base pay vs. pay for experience, raises are usually done annually or through union contracts or based on job performance reviews. As for other professions, yes, I believe this does happen often.
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If that were the case, I'd be rich! :chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle:chuckle :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

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I've read a study, can't quote the specifics of it now, but the crux of it was that men earn slightly more than women in the field of nursing.

If I remember correctly, they were attributing this to a fact that they said they came up with, from only God knows where, that men ADVANCE further in nursing than women do.

They said that men advance further, like on towards an RN supervisor, and further up the ladder, because they don't take off for family concerns like women do, having babies, raising children, etc.

It's been a long time since I read that article and don't even remember where I read it,

and I personally don't believe it's true. I've never worked for any male supervisor, DON, or whatever, only females. I've been in nursing 31 yrs and had several jobs, but of course times they are a changing.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Well thank goodness for my union. They don't seem to care how I look. I make what the others do with the same amount of time and experience. Which is exactly how it should be.

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Numerous studies have showed attractive people tend to advance faster and have more opportunities to excel. I doubt nursing is immune to a cultural trend that values attractiveness.

Why is it so many people have cosmetic surgery? It is more than just a frivolous narcissism in many cases...they know it will advance their careers and lives to be more attractive.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

That's why i have such a problem with with cosmetic surgery. I do not feel that people TRULY do it for THEMSELVES.

Considering what i look like on a daily basis lately (blue hat, wrap around eye shield, mask, thyroid shield, X-ray apron, faded and thinned green scrubs, black Danskos with DuraPrep spots), i'll probably be the lowest paid on the nursing totem pole if looks were a factor in my salary lol.

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

Exactly Marie- I'd be screwed if that were the case.

I think this study is more true for business stuff. Healthcare, you can't care too much about one's appearance (although some things do matter). Only reason I can think of for less pay for overweight folks is loss of pay due to injury. One of the reasons I am workign out...I want to be stronger and less fat, so I will be less likely to hurt myself. -andrea

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Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

:rotfl: Well, I don't know about this. I'm stunning and underpaid.:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
:rotfl: Well, I don't know about this. I'm stunning and underpaid.:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
:rotfl: Well, I don't know about this. I'm stunning and underpaid.:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Took the words right out of my mouth. :rotfl: (Or at least I used to be 10 lbs and 10 years ago. :rotfl: )

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

Interesting for sure. :rolleyes:

I'm sure that poll is right in many fields, but men usually make more than women anyway, and that's not based on "beauty vs. ugly". :uhoh3:

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