Staff Level Promotions

[punkstar]

So how does one actual increase in staff level or promoted higher?

For instance, everyone starts at STAFF NURSE I.

I've seen STAFF NURSE II (Does this mean they've been on their unit for 5 years or more?)

If they were to switch to a different unit, would they have to start as a "STAFF NURSE I" all over again?

How far can one go as a STAFF NURSE?

[Altra, BSN, RN]

The title "Staff Nurse I" is just what your facility has chosen to call its entry level nurses. At another hospital down the street they might be called "Clinical Nurse I" or "Registered Nurse I" or "Professional Nurse I" etc.

As far as progression, that is also entirely dependent on your facility's policies - it may be based on length of service or achievement of certain milestones to progress to "Staff Nurse II' or a combination of both might be required. At Hospital A you might get to be a Staff Nurse II simply by being there 5 or some other number of years. At Hospital B you might be required to have achieved a certain rating on your performance review or met other milestones. At Hospital C you might be required to serve on a hospital committee, complete a specific QA or other project for your department or earn certification in your specialty area to advance to Staff Nurse II. Or any combination of all of those.

Bottom line: none of us here will be able to give you a definitive answer on this as we don't know your hospital's policies. Ask your manager, preceptor or educator.

[scrubing77]

Also it might depend on the area you work in. I am a new grad and i am working in the ICU I am staff nurse II becuase i work in more critcal area. At my hostpital ICU, ER, and Tele are level II will rehab, med surg and such are level I.

[RN1989]

It can mean many things. Many hospitals have a career ladder. There usually is the lowest level that all but the most inexperienced nurses must meet. Then, depending on your level of involvement at work (nursing congress, preceptor, inservices, etc), you advance up the ladder. At some places the ladder is worth your time since you can get an increase in pay, benefits, etc. At other places, you don't get anything except the title. Of course if you want to progress into a managerial role, you likely will need to play the game and work towards climbing the ladder even if there are no monetary rewards.