I have to do a research paper for one of my nursing classes. I need to know the pros & cons on hourly wages vs salaried wages in the nursing profession. Can anyone help me out with this? Thanks

I'll give you a start. Hourly nurses get bumps in their pay called shift diff (Shift Differential). There is more pay for second shift than first, more pay for third shift than second, etc. Shift diff may also be increased depending on what department you are in, for instance a RN may get paid more for working in ICY versus working on a med-surg floor.

Also, many nurses are not paid salary until in management (if working in a hospital).

Now, you can take it from there.

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Originally Posted by bananaana8

I have to do a research paper for one of my nursing classes. I need to know the pros & cons on hourly wages vs salaried wages in the nursing profession. Can anyone help me out with this? Thanks

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Yes, I am an Oncology nurse working in the Oncology Clinic and I did both. When you are salary, the pros are that you can come in late, take a longer lunch and leave early without anyone knowing. However, if you come in early, don't have a lunch or leave late then you won't get paid for the time you put in. You should get comp time but sometimes you don't. Being paid hourly, at least you get paid for the hours you work and you have an opportunity to earn overtime.