Keeping experienced nurses at the bedside

[sassyrn333]

I'm curious: What incentive, if any, does your facility provide for mature/experienced nurses to stay at the bedside?

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

None that I am aware of.

[Straydandelion]

None that I have ever seen except possibly in specialty areas, in fact most hospitals prefer new grads, or ones without too much experience because the salary will be lower.

[MedSurgeMess]

None that I have ever seen except possibly in specialty areas, in fact most hospitals prefer new grads, or ones without too much experience because the salary will be lower.

And they generally will do whatever they are told to do without much of an argument!

[Idontknowbetter]

More money. But honestly, after a few years of being a floor nurse, not many nurses want to stay. It's not worth it.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Hmmm...lets see...I got my MSN in 2005, stayed at the bedside for another year (no pay raise, no perks) and then got a post-MSN certificate in 2006 and was offered a job at LESS than I was making as an RN!

Uh...no....

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

Seniority brings:

1. Higher base pay

2. More vacation/sick time (though you get that increase even if you leave the bedside)

3. Some preferences in scheduling -- such as holiday hours, shift rotation (or lack thereof), etc.

4. Preference for getting conference money, good committee assignments, etc. -- assuming you are a good employee

It may not be much, but the scheduling preferences mean a lot to people.

Wow, I want to work where you do!

The only benefit I get is more money because it is based on years of experience. Otherwise, it's the same amount of benefits for me as it is for the new grad.