Open Forum

Hello,

We are looking at redesigning our RN Advancement Program. We currently do not give hourly stipends or bonuses for BSN or certification, however RNs can move to a higher level in our current advancement program if they have a BSN and certifications. I am wondering what other organizations are doing for RNs with BSN and/or certifications.

In your organization, do RNs with their BSN or certifications get stipends or bonuses? If so, do they need to apply for this through an advancement/clinical ladder program or is that something that your organization pays regardless of advancement/clinical ladder program participation?

Thanks in advance,

Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Carrie.Karcz@bellin.org

------------------------------
Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Care Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Green Bay, WI
carrie.karcz@bellin.org
------------------------------

Our facility offers a base pay increase for certification.

Jennifer Wall MSN, RN, CHFN
Clinical Coordinator
Rush Copley Cardiovascular


Sent from my iPhone


Original Message:
Sent: 7/20/2022 6:08:00 PM
From: Carrie Karcz
Subject: Pay differential for BSN/Certification

Hello,

We are looking at redesigning our RN Advancement Program. We currently do not give hourly stipends or bonuses for BSN or certification, however RNs can move to a higher level in our current advancement program if they have a BSN and certifications. I am wondering what other organizations are doing for RNs with BSN and/or certifications.

In your organization, do RNs with their BSN or certifications get stipends or bonuses? If so, do they need to apply for this through an advancement/clinical ladder program or is that something that your organization pays regardless of advancement/clinical ladder program participation?

Thanks in advance,

Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Carrie.Karcz@bellin.org

------------------------------
Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Care Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Green Bay, WI
carrie.karcz@bellin.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 7/21/2022 10:04:00 AM
From: Jennifer Wall
Subject: RE: Pay differential for BSN/Certification

Our facility offers a base pay increase for certification.

Jennifer Wall MSN, RN, CHFN
Clinical Coordinator
Rush Copley Cardiovascular


Sent from my iPhone


Original Message:
Sent: 7/20/2022 6:08:00 PM
From: Carrie Karcz
Subject: Pay differential for BSN/Certification

Hello,

We are looking at redesigning our RN Advancement Program. We currently do not give hourly stipends or bonuses for BSN or certification, however RNs can move to a higher level in our current advancement program if they have a BSN and certifications. I am wondering what other organizations are doing for RNs with BSN and/or certifications.

In your organization, do RNs with their BSN or certifications get stipends or bonuses? If so, do they need to apply for this through an advancement/clinical ladder program or is that something that your organization pays regardless of advancement/clinical ladder program participation?

Thanks in advance,

Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Carrie.Karcz@bellin.org

------------------------------
Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Care Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Green Bay, WI
carrie.karcz@bellin.org
------------------------------

Sarah,
We have implemented Clinical Excellence Programs for MAs/LPNs, surgical technicians, and pharmacy technicians. The development and budgeting of the program is up to the service line/cost center (for instance, coming up with the tasks/skills that will be awarded points within the program). Then our CNO closely reviews the proposed program to ensure equity between programs. We have been very intentional about being sure the programs were in alignment, so that it didn't diminish the integrity of the original Nursing Excellence Program.

------------------------------
Melissa Quaid BSN RN NE-BC
Ambulatory Nursing Practice Manager
Kootenai Health
Coeur d'Alene ID
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-22-2022 09:22
From: Sarah Overton
Subject: Pay differential for BSN/Certification

OSF Healthcare currently is re-evaluating our traditional Professional Development programming and considering increased hourly comp for BSN, paying for certification and an overhaul to our annual payout for levels to a clinical ladder that might have step payment structure vs a one-time payout. Our employees often felt overwhelmed and the annual comp didn't seem to drive vs an hourly comp potentially. If any of you would be willing to share your policies or program structure I would be grateful. 

Also of interest, do you offer anything to other clinical team members - specifically medical assistants and resp/rad techs? We often are challenged with focusing only on nursing and creates inequity within our multidisciplinary teams. 

Thanks!

Sarah C. Overton RN, MSN 

Chief Nursing Officer/VP Clinical Services OSF Multispecialty Services 

124 SW Adams St.

Peoria, Il 61602  

p. (309)683-7253 c. (309)264-7670

"Serving with the greatest care and love" 

www.osfhealthcare.org 

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Original Message:
Sent: 7/21/2022 10:04:00 AM
From: Jennifer Wall
Subject: RE: Pay differential for BSN/Certification

Our facility offers a base pay increase for certification.

Jennifer Wall MSN, RN, CHFN
Clinical Coordinator
Rush Copley Cardiovascular


Sent from my iPhone


Original Message:
Sent: 7/20/2022 6:08:00 PM
From: Carrie Karcz
Subject: Pay differential for BSN/Certification

Hello,

We are looking at redesigning our RN Advancement Program. We currently do not give hourly stipends or bonuses for BSN or certification, however RNs can move to a higher level in our current advancement program if they have a BSN and certifications. I am wondering what other organizations are doing for RNs with BSN and/or certifications.

In your organization, do RNs with their BSN or certifications get stipends or bonuses? If so, do they need to apply for this through an advancement/clinical ladder program or is that something that your organization pays regardless of advancement/clinical ladder program participation?

Thanks in advance,

Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Carrie.Karcz@bellin.org

------------------------------
Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Care Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Green Bay, WI
carrie.karcz@bellin.org
------------------------------

Hello Carrie,
My organization has both a BSN and a certification hourly wage differential. When the nurse submits their BSN degree or proof of certification to Human Resources, their wage increase is automatically applied with the next pay period. 
Instead of a traditional clinical ladder program, we have implemented what we call the Nursing Excellence Program (NEP). It is an annual tiered stipend model. Within the program, the nurse can earn points towards their program total for completing credits towards their BSN. Because of the hourly differential for certifications, NEP points are only granted for a second specialty certification.

------------------------------
Melissa Quaid BSN RN NE-BC
Ambulatory Nursing Practice Manager
Kootenai Health
Coeur d'Alene ID
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-20-2022 18:07
From: Carrie Karcz
Subject: Pay differential for BSN/Certification

Hello,

We are looking at redesigning our RN Advancement Program. We currently do not give hourly stipends or bonuses for BSN or certification, however RNs can move to a higher level in our current advancement program if they have a BSN and certifications. I am wondering what other organizations are doing for RNs with BSN and/or certifications.

In your organization, do RNs with their BSN or certifications get stipends or bonuses? If so, do they need to apply for this through an advancement/clinical ladder program or is that something that your organization pays regardless of advancement/clinical ladder program participation?

Thanks in advance,

Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Carrie.Karcz@bellin.org

------------------------------
Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Care Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Green Bay, WI
carrie.karcz@bellin.org
------------------------------

Hi Melissa,

Would you be willing to share any additional information on your Nursing Excellence Program? While discussing the change with staff it really seemed like this was popular option, but we need to design something to present to leadership. We have examples from a few other organizations but I would love to have more examples.

Thanks,

Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Care Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Green Bay, WI
carrie.karcz@bellin.org

------------------------------
Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Care Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Green Bay, WI
carrie.karcz@bellin.org
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-21-2022 11:18
From: Melissa Quaid
Subject: Pay differential for BSN/Certification

Hello Carrie,
My organization has both a BSN and a certification hourly wage differential. When the nurse submits their BSN degree or proof of certification to Human Resources, their wage increase is automatically applied with the next pay period. 
Instead of a traditional clinical ladder program, we have implemented what we call the Nursing Excellence Program (NEP). It is an annual tiered stipend model. Within the program, the nurse can earn points towards their program total for completing credits towards their BSN. Because of the hourly differential for certifications, NEP points are only granted for a second specialty certification.

------------------------------
Melissa Quaid BSN RN NE-BC
Ambulatory Nursing Practice Manager
Kootenai Health
Coeur d'Alene ID

Original Message:
Sent: 07-20-2022 18:07
From: Carrie Karcz
Subject: Pay differential for BSN/Certification

Hello,

We are looking at redesigning our RN Advancement Program. We currently do not give hourly stipends or bonuses for BSN or certification, however RNs can move to a higher level in our current advancement program if they have a BSN and certifications. I am wondering what other organizations are doing for RNs with BSN and/or certifications.

In your organization, do RNs with their BSN or certifications get stipends or bonuses? If so, do they need to apply for this through an advancement/clinical ladder program or is that something that your organization pays regardless of advancement/clinical ladder program participation?

Thanks in advance,

Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Carrie.Karcz@bellin.org

------------------------------
Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Care Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Green Bay, WI
carrie.karcz@bellin.org
------------------------------

Carrie,
I'd be happy to share more info. I'll send it directly to your listed email address.

------------------------------
Melissa Quaid BSN RN NE-BC
Ambulatory Nursing Practice Manager
Kootenai Health
Coeur d'Alene ID
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-22-2022 09:13
From: Carrie Karcz
Subject: Pay differential for BSN/Certification

Hi Melissa,

Would you be willing to share any additional information on your Nursing Excellence Program? While discussing the change with staff it really seemed like this was popular option, but we need to design something to present to leadership. We have examples from a few other organizations but I would love to have more examples.

Thanks,

Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Care Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Green Bay, WI
carrie.karcz@bellin.org

------------------------------
Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Care Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Green Bay, WI
carrie.karcz@bellin.org

Original Message:
Sent: 07-21-2022 11:18
From: Melissa Quaid
Subject: Pay differential for BSN/Certification

Hello Carrie,
My organization has both a BSN and a certification hourly wage differential. When the nurse submits their BSN degree or proof of certification to Human Resources, their wage increase is automatically applied with the next pay period. 
Instead of a traditional clinical ladder program, we have implemented what we call the Nursing Excellence Program (NEP). It is an annual tiered stipend model. Within the program, the nurse can earn points towards their program total for completing credits towards their BSN. Because of the hourly differential for certifications, NEP points are only granted for a second specialty certification.

------------------------------
Melissa Quaid BSN RN NE-BC
Ambulatory Nursing Practice Manager
Kootenai Health
Coeur d'Alene ID

Original Message:
Sent: 07-20-2022 18:07
From: Carrie Karcz
Subject: Pay differential for BSN/Certification

Hello,

We are looking at redesigning our RN Advancement Program. We currently do not give hourly stipends or bonuses for BSN or certification, however RNs can move to a higher level in our current advancement program if they have a BSN and certifications. I am wondering what other organizations are doing for RNs with BSN and/or certifications.

In your organization, do RNs with their BSN or certifications get stipends or bonuses? If so, do they need to apply for this through an advancement/clinical ladder program or is that something that your organization pays regardless of advancement/clinical ladder program participation?

Thanks in advance,

Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Carrie.Karcz@bellin.org

------------------------------
Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Care Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Green Bay, WI
carrie.karcz@bellin.org
------------------------------

We have an hourly differential for certification but its not a blanket.  We have a policy for what certifications apply to which specific area.  For example if you are certified in pediatrics but move to an area that does not care for pediatrics that certification would not apply.  However if you are certified in Med-Surg and move to ambulatory that would count since you would still be using that skill set. 

Our BSN and ASN have separate job codes so they are compensated differently on the hospital side.  The ambulatory side does not require BSN so we do not have the 2 separate job codes.

We also have a career ladder for our RNs.  We are looking at implementing something for our LPNs and CMAs.  We allow our receptionists to do the CHAA certification and they also get a differential.

------------------------------
Ryan Taylor MSN, RN, CPN, NE-BC
Director of Medical Practice Management
Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center
Jasper, Indiana
812-996-8489
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-20-2022 18:07
From: Carrie Karcz
Subject: Pay differential for BSN/Certification

Hello,

We are looking at redesigning our RN Advancement Program. We currently do not give hourly stipends or bonuses for BSN or certification, however RNs can move to a higher level in our current advancement program if they have a BSN and certifications. I am wondering what other organizations are doing for RNs with BSN and/or certifications.

In your organization, do RNs with their BSN or certifications get stipends or bonuses? If so, do they need to apply for this through an advancement/clinical ladder program or is that something that your organization pays regardless of advancement/clinical ladder program participation?

Thanks in advance,

Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Carrie.Karcz@bellin.org

------------------------------
Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Care Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Green Bay, WI
carrie.karcz@bellin.org
------------------------------

We do not get BSN or certification bonuses at my organization, however,  they do reimburse one certification and we can use this towards advancement. As an organization, we have a ladder program for RNs, LPNs, MAs, as well as other disciplines.

I am currently working on the RN ladder,  and creating my portfolio of professional activities (education/presentations, EBP/ PI project, internal book/journal club,  volunteer,  Epic Super user classes, etc.) as well as written responses to questions designed for professional reflection of my practice in past 12 months. The question are relevant to domains like collaboration,  leadership & education EBP,  and resources utilization.

Registered nurses are required to have a BSN, certification, and/or both depending on level, as well as a specified number of points in each area designated . We must apply for the professional nurse advancement program ( PNAP) by first securing a PNAP mentor. They review our portfolio and help set up an interview before a the clinical excellence committee if everyting looks good. If the committee agrees we are are at the level we applied for, they send HR their recommendation who implements compensation (% wage increase for each level). 

There has to be 12 months before moving to next level and documentation of activities submitted for anual renewal to maintain level. All activities must have been completed in last 12 months to count. As a result, work -life balance can be tricky. As you can imagine this requires a high level of professional commitment, organization,  planning, and leadership support to make possible.

Christina Goode, BSN, RN, AMB-BC Genetics/ Medical Specialties Nurse      Carle Health, Urbana, IL christina.goode@carle.com 

------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-20-2022 18:07
From: Carrie Karcz
Subject: Pay differential for BSN/Certification

Hello,

We are looking at redesigning our RN Advancement Program. We currently do not give hourly stipends or bonuses for BSN or certification, however RNs can move to a higher level in our current advancement program if they have a BSN and certifications. I am wondering what other organizations are doing for RNs with BSN and/or certifications.

In your organization, do RNs with their BSN or certifications get stipends or bonuses? If so, do they need to apply for this through an advancement/clinical ladder program or is that something that your organization pays regardless of advancement/clinical ladder program participation?

Thanks in advance,

Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Carrie.Karcz@bellin.org

------------------------------
Carrie Karcz, BSN, RN, AMB-BC
Ambulatory Care Nurse Educator
Bellin Health
Green Bay, WI
carrie.karcz@bellin.org
------------------------------