Question

llg, PhD, RN · Feb 5, 2004

You may need to clarify your question a bit because it is difficult to tell what you are talking about.

Virginia does not have levels of nurses either. No state does to my knowledge.

However, some hospitals in Virginia have "clinical ladders" that designate different levels -- as do some hospitals in Illinois. That's an individual facililty designation, not a government one.

Each hospital will define its levels differently. Some include educational preparation and some do not. For example, a hospital may say that everyone on orientation is a "level 1" and that you progress to "level 2" -- and maybe get a raise -- when you can work on your own without a preceptor. A "level" 3 nurse might be defined as someone who has met the requirements to be a charge nurse or preceptor. etc. etc. Each employer will set it's own criteria for qualifications and rewards.

Does that answer your question?

llg

Gldngrl · Feb 12, 2004

As the previous poster alluded to, those designations are given by a hospital. For example, my hospital designates new RN graduates as Clin I,(can apply for Clin II after a year of working experience) those with some experience or those working per diem as Clin II, and one can advance to a Clin II, III, or IV by applying and submitting documentation to a select group of nurses for review and acceptance. The clinical ladder as I understand it in my hospital, only applies to RNs and it's ones choice whether or not they apply for Clin III or IV status. One can be a Clin II and still be in charge, precept others, etc. I believe that there is a small pay increase with the upward mobility on the ladder.

ChicagolandRN · Feb 12, 2004

That makes sense...I appreciate your help! :)