Nurse I - Nurse V

nicenurse911121 · Jun 8, 2005

I have never heard of this type of grading in N.C. except for LPN's as a I or II- sorry couldnt help any more than that.

I realize this may be a foolish question but, what are the level distinctions for Nurse I compared to Nurse II and so on. I am applying for nursing in fall and Ive seen the collective bargaining salaries for my area. They indicate different pay scales for nurses at certain levels.
Are registered nurses considered to be at the Nurse V level? Or is this is a rank system based on seniority? Can someone please explain this? Thanks in advance!

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Jun 8, 2005

Most probably, this is a clinical ladder and may vary from hospital to hospital. Typically a new grad is a Level 1 and is expected to function independently but utilizes resources etc. Level 2 may be applied for after 1 year of so of experience and will require a bit more responsibility such as presenting inservices etc. Will function a bit more independently, etc. A level 3 will undertake more responsibility and 4 or 5 etc will take charge, be on steering committees, serve as preceptors, ACLS, BLS instructors etc. With increased responsibility comes increased pay. Many nurses use this as a way to get into managment, but many still want to increase pay and responsibility and never want to move toward managerial positions. This allows one to continue "up the ladder" so to speak without leaving the bedside.

In most places where I have seen the clinical ladder, you are expected to attain a certain level to maintain your job but are not necessarily expected to attain the top level. In the past I have attained the top level but no longer wish to be burdened with the additional responsibility of charge, endless meetings, etc outside of my normal nursing duties. I will let someone younger and more energetic handle that!

rach_nc_03 · Jun 8, 2005

Most probably, this is a clinical ladder and may vary from hospital to hospital. Typically a new grad is a Level 1 and is expected to function independently but utilizes resources etc. Level 2 may be applied for after 1 year of so of experience and will require a bit more responsibility such as presenting inservices etc. Will function a bit more independently, etc. A level 3 will undertake more responsibility and 4 or 5 etc will take charge, be on steering committees, serve as preceptors, ACLS, BLS instructors etc. With increased responsibility comes increased pay. Many nurses use this as a way to get into managment, but many still want to increase pay and responsibility and never want to move toward managerial positions. This allows one to continue "up the ladder" so to speak without leaving the bedside.
In most places where I have seen the clinical ladder, you are expected to attain a certain level to maintain your job but are not necessarily expected to attain the top level. In the past I have attained the top level but no longer wish to be burdened with the additional responsibility of charge, endless meetings, etc outside of my normal nursing duties. I will let someone younger and more energetic handle that!

Yes, we have a clinical ladder like this at our hospital. There are some bells and whistles- projects you have to do, presentations you make, some nominal increases in responsibility (being a subject matter expert on something), but mostly they're pay grades, I-IV. typically, new grads start at clinical nurse I. They can stay staff nurse forever, if they so choose, or pursue the clinical ladder. They'll still get pay increases as a staff nurse. I only know one CNIV who works as a floor nurse...his additional responsibilities aren't evident in his daily job. Charge and precepting are not related to the CN ladder with us- you take a class and precept to either of those positions. I think you have to have 1 year of experience before they'll let you do that, though.

Aneroo, LPN · Jun 8, 2005

Yes, we have a clinical ladder like this at our hospital. There are some bells and whistles- projects you have to do, presentations you make, some nominal increases in responsibility (being a subject matter expert on something), but mostly they're pay grades, I-IV. typically, new grads start at clinical nurse I. They can stay staff nurse forever, if they so choose, or pursue the clinical ladder. They'll still get pay increases as a staff nurse. I only know one CNIV who works as a floor nurse...his additional responsibilities aren't evident in his daily job. Charge and precepting are not related to the CN ladder with us- you take a class and precept to either of those positions. I think you have to have 1 year of experience before they'll let you do that, though.

That's how it is at our hospital. -Andrea

djCRNA · Jun 8, 2005

thanks for all the responses.

http://www.nursesunion.mb.ca/salaries.htm

thats a link to the salaries offered here in Manitoba, Canada. Im not sure how they rank in the States, but what some of you have said makes alot of sense.