The Pay in Endoscopy Nursing - the range? Good start for the NP route?

CorazonDeOro · Nov 2, 2012

Hello nurses,
I am a new nurse who is starting my first nursing gig in a free standing endoscopy clinic in the next two weeks. I read there are vast differences in hospital/GI labs and free standing clinics, especially the pay. My pay is actually not good (very low 20s), not sure if its because I'm a new grad or its because a free standing clinic doesnt pay that much (no affiliations with hospitals) But what should my pay be? And also, how long should I stay so I can feel comfortable about moving on maybe to a hospital setting?
I am also interested in becoming a FNP and wanted to know would this be considered good experience to be qualified for a FNP program? Thanks everyone!

I think it really depends on where you are from. In some states low 20s is the norm. I work in a GI clinic inside a large hospital and I make the same as inpatient RNs (but our department fought to keep the pay the same, while many other clinics inside the hospital pay less). I make a little over 25/hr (which is what I made as a floor RN with only 1.5 years experience). We also get call pay and overtime if we are called in. I make more than I did on the floor since I work 40 hrs instead of 36 now.

CP1983, ADN, BSN, RN · Nov 2, 2012

Hey Corazon,

Thanks for the prompt response! I just left a response but I guess it didn't go through on the website. But that's interesting to see that the pay rates are typically lower; so the salary websites that I looked into have rates that are over-inflated. And also I would think that the GI clinics in hospitals would pay more since you are on call and you are dealing with more acute patients with GI bleeds, or patients with dual or more disorders/diseases, etc. But I guess I thought NY would have higher rates maybe the field is just not a high paying field. My hours are going to be 35 hours. But as long as this counts as experience so I can apply to the FNP program, I am planing to stay here for a bit, maybe a few years. I may lose some med-surg skills in the process but I will keep myself current by taking CEU classes.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Nov 5, 2012

I'm a nurse manager for an endoscopy ASC. I don't hire inexperienced RNs, so no comparison there; once they have what I consider "enough" experience in a hospital setting, I'll hire. A procedure-room RN, one who is working next to the GI doc who is doing the procedure (and is therefore preparing the lab specimens, cleaning the endo room, etc) is making mid-to higher-$20's. Everyone is within a few dollars of each other, but all are experienced.

Someone who is going to be strictly admissions or recovery/discharge is going to be making low-$20's. And I'm in NYS, btw.

A big difference is that the hospitals near here usually have full-time or close to it; benefits are expected. My facility offers little in the way of benefits for part-timers (typically just holiday pay, no healthcare coverage). And most of the staff is part-time or PRN...allows some of them to work in the hospitals if they want, or another ASC even.

Another big difference is that at a free-standing center, there are no nights. No weekends. No holidays (at least not the big ones!). In other words, nurses here can actually have a life :)

So, if you were working at my ASC, your pay would be right where it should be (assuming you're training for the procedure room, etc?).

CP1983, ADN, BSN, RN · Nov 6, 2012

Hello RNsRWe,Well, in this clinic, we are being trained for all areas, pre, procedure and post. It is preferred that we learn all areas. The salary/rate that u mentioned are definitely on point. I guess I thought we would make more but maybe with experience. Thanks for your response..:-)

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Nov 7, 2012

You're welcome :) The better money comes with working the hospital GI lab; you have the potential for on-call, etc. ASC's don't typically pay as well as the hospitals, it's true, BUT the no nights-no weekends-no holidays thing is definitely a perk. You'll find your niche somewhere, I've no doubt!

future_student · Oct 18, 2013

Hi RNsRWe,

I have a question for you. I have the possiblity of a job change into management for an endoscopy asc. Soon we will be in the salary negotiation phase of the process. What is a good salary range for a Nurse manager of an endoscopy asc?