Specialty Pay for Ob Nurses

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 9, 2006

I know of no one earning a so-called specialty differential these days. Most people who get bennies usually are reaping sign-on bonuses for very short-staffed units, or differentials for working weekends and/or nightshifts.

The usual caveat applies; read very carefully what you are getting into if you accept any bonuses and/or differentials. Usually you are obligated to work for specific time frame or for certain shifts to reap any monetary bonuses.

The possible exception may apply to travel and/or agency nursing companies. They may or may not be offering specialty differentials. Not sure as I have never traveled or worked agency nursing.

RNfromMS · Jul 10, 2006

Our hospital pays a TIC pay which is a small stipend that is paid per hour for "bedside" nurses, i.e. ICU, L&D, etc.

MemphisOBRNC, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2006

No specialty pay for us in Memphis.

tdr61 · Jul 10, 2006

I have run across one or two hospitals over the years that offer specialty pay but they are very few and far between. Usually the pay rate is based on years of experience and sometimes the degree one has.

Suebee6 · Jul 10, 2006

nope..none here..

RNnL&D · Jul 12, 2006

None here in SW Ohio either.

texas-rn-fnp · Jul 12, 2006

When I moonlight through agencies I get a preferred rate that is significantly better than med/surg. This is similar for other jobs that are considered critical care.

There is a world of difference in pay from one location to another, from one type (staff, agency, contract, travel) to another, and from hospital to another. The individual has to weigh several variables. Most people just look at pay, but more importantly is quality of work environment. Benefits like medical, dental, retirement are especially important for people that have families.

I have seen hourly rates for L/D from a low of $13! for new GN staff position that was orienting to a high of over $100 on overtime. That is a world of difference. Location again is important. If you are in the middle of nowhere with only the cows and the goats then there are probably not a lot of needs for health care workers. The better deal is near civilization. Most cities pay more than towns. You also have to consider the cost of living in relation to the wages to determine your disposable income at the end of the day.

Overall there are many considerations and you have to prioritize what is important to you. There is a lot of lattitude for negotiation. There are many places that are in dire need of nurses and are willing to pay to get you to work there. Pay is what gets people in the door, quality of work environment is what keeps them there.