Career Advancement

As you go through your nursing practice, it helps to advance your professional careers by continuous trainings. Why?

The following chart shows national salaries for selected nursing positions.

Level	Years of Experience	Median Salary
Nursing Assistant	0-2	$20,700
Registered Nurse	2-4	$45,577
Obstetrics Nurse	2-4	$47,483
Occupational Nurse	2-4	$55,289
Clinical Nurse Specialist	2-4	61,892
Nurse Practitioner	2-4	$66,154
Nurse Manager / Supervisor	At least 7	$70,043

Source: Salary.com, September 2003
For this month's salaries: Salary Wizard

It is important that nurses pursue higher education in order to be eligible for promotions to supervisory and higher paying roles. The decision to pursue advancement beyond the entry level is an individual choice based on interest in professional development, increased responsibility and accountability. It is not expected that all staff will move through all levels.

If you are interested in pursuing advancement beyond your current clinical level, there are resources available to you. Discuss with your manager or clinical leaders in your area your desire to pursue advancement. They can help you determine if the time is right for you to apply and be successful.