New graduate nurse

Published

I am wondering if when you graduate and get your first nursing job how long it takes to move up the pay scale? Do you just get raises every year or what. Thanks in advance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Depends on your employer. In my area of the country we get a merit raise every year. Recently it has been 2-5% but this year was a whopping 11% to catch up with the market. Also, nurses on clinical ladder can raise their base pay. There are a lot of ways to increase your salary but the BEST is to really learn how to be a nurse first. Then be as flexible in time and skills as possible. The more valuable you are, well, the more valuable you are. Duh.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Flight.

YUP...

just like classicdame said...

it really depends on where you work...

it also depends on your certifications like ACLS.. PALS ATLS stuff like that... and your employer....

my advice to you... is if you just started... don't worry about it too much.... get some handouts from HR.... and if you ever have any ?'s about it.... go talk to someone in HR or your manager...

plus... if you just graduated are you working as a graduate nurse? or as a licensed nurse.. did you already pass your nclex?......

there are many deciding factors on your pay...

your best bet is to talk to your dept. manager or HR...

every hospital/facility is different

:cool:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment