On the list of things expected to be discussed and compared by nurses and soon-to-be registered nurses (RNs) are the salary rates. Being one of the top-enrolled course in the previous years, lots of registered nurses are looking for great opportunities to get a job. But of course, getting a job means getting paid for the services rendered. Hence, questions about an RN’s salary is one of the most talked topics in the health care industry.
A nurse’s salary rate depends not only by passing the licensure examination. In life, nothing comes easy – meaning to say, increased pay means bigger responsibilities and higher expectations and qualifications like getting an advanced degree in your chosen field (eg. Master’s degree or Doctorate). Enumerated below are few factors that affect a nurse’s salary:
Location. It is an obvious fact that rural health care institutions pay less than hospitals and clinics situated in the city. The demands, number of population and resources play a big role in determining the average rate in each location.
Education Level. There is a disparity in the earnings of staff nurses, the head nurses and the chief nurses. Higher positions in the health care industry have higher salary rates. However, these positions have higher qualifications too. An increased education level means increasing an RN’s salary as well. Earning a Master’s Degree in Nursing or even better a Doctorate level increases a registered nurse’s potential for a higher salary rate.
Experience. The years of nursing work experience will always have a correlation to the salary. The more the experience you have the higher the salary rate is. Depending on the health care facility you are connected, the corresponding salary for the length work experience is categorized in brackets. For instance, 1-3 years of work experience will be assigned with a specific rate, and so on.
Specialization. Registered nurses who have specialized in certain fields have higher earnings too. Nurses who are specially trained for certain areas like, ER, OR, ICU, NICU, Psychiatric, Orthopedic, and other areas have bigger salary potential.
Industry. Are you working in a hospital? Or in an out-patient facility? The specific health care industry you choose to work would also determine a nurse’s pay. Nurses working in the hospital have higher salary rates than those working in a clinic, in most cases.
Average Compensation in Private Hospitals
To give you a numeric range of a registered nurse’s salary in the Philippines, it is approximately 9,000 to 25,000 in big cities like Manila, Cebu and etc. This is the salary rate for private institutions. However, it may vary based on bonuses and overall compensation packages such as healthcare, vacation days, and sick leave.
In the province, the rate may start from as low as 4,000 to 15,000. Again it may vary depending on your health care institutions’ policy of giving bonuses or compensation packages.
Average Compensation in Public Hospitals
Public health institutions’ salary range is roughly 8,000 to 35,000. The numeric data may also vary based on the compensation package (Philhealth, etc.) and bonuses given to nurses.
If you’re passionate about your career, don’t let the stress of how much you are paid to get in the way of doing what you love best – proudly wearing your white uniform and fulfilling your duty as a nurse. However, if you’re the practical type, conduct research on a health institution’s policy and salary rate before applying. After all, we strive to have a career to build a good future.
