Every nurse I know is not primary motivated by money. They’re motivated by people and providing essential life saving support. Unfortunately, a lot of nursing jobs don’t pay as well as they should. Here are 5 ways you can increase your nursing salary.
- Work in demand shifts
Although this is not for everyone, almost every hospital will have shifts that are less popular and as a result, offer a higher pay rate as an incentive for nurses to work them. These include night shifts, weekend shifts and extra shifts in locations with high demand. Find out if your company offers these types of shifts and if you are able to work them. Not only will you be helping out during a time in need, but you will also be able to make a substantial increase to your take home pay.
2. Gain additional certifications
It is possible to obtain certifications for many nursing specialties. These may be directly offered by your employer, or you may have to sign-up to take a certification course through a credentialing agency. The ANCC (American Nurses Credentialing Center) offers certifications for many nursing specialties. Once you become certified, your employer may offer a salary increase whilst also opening you up to more opportunities within your field.
3. Become a travel or local contract nurse
There are a number of reasons for becoming a travel nurse. The main one being extremely high pay rates and packages. There are additional perks , the most obvious being you get to experience new destinations and cultures on your days off! You will get the chance to explore and work in a number of diverse environments whilst also building up your networks (and friendships) along the way! At AMX Healthcare, we have specialist travel recruiters that provide the highest paying assignments, guidance on travel & accommodation and knowledge on state licenses and required compliance.
4. Move up the ladder
You can build your career and income by applying for management or leadership roles that often come with a much higher salary. Be sure to keep your eyes open to any managerial positions opening up in your company or use your network to find out about any positions that could interest you and ultimately lead to you working your way up the ladder. Remember to take initiative and ask your supervisor about the process involved in applying for a more senior role. You may be surprised at how well qualified for the position you already are!
5. Pursue further education
Something you may be interested in, would be furthering your education and gaining additional qualifications and becoming an advanced practice nurse (APRN). Advanced practice nurses fall into a number of categories with varying levels of average salaries. These can include Nurse Practitioners (NP), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM). Obtaining advanced degrees are almost always worth it and can see an increase in salary that you would not be able to get without.
I hope you enjoyed my blog into the different ways you can increase your income as a nurse. Feel free to reach out if you had any questions or if you wanted a confidential chat to discuss some options within your career – as always, we’re here to help.
