Date of Award
Spring 1988
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nursing
Abstract
A variety of economic and noneconomic factors help to explain the Registered Nurse shortages that have occurred in the United States. One of the factors affecting the supply of R.N.s in the labor force is compensation. The American Hospital Association (1987) concluded that until and unless wages and benefits for nurses provide adequate compensation, expanding the supply of nurses via short-term strategies will not solve long-term shortages. Compensation is a function of how much value is placed on a job. Nursing has long been influenced by an undervaluation of its worth in the health care environment. This valuation has its roots in historical, social, business, and financial realities. In relationship to the nursing profession, these realities include a history of being a "'woman' s job" as an extension of other housework; a workplace with minimal competition and a dependence on the health care economic status. Three strategies that the nursing administrator could utilize to structure a compensation package for nurses are a contract model, a clinical ladder, and an expansion of a pay range system. Each of these methods have potential risks and benefits.
Recommended Citation
Lucey, Paula A., "Nursing Compensation" (1988). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 3475.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/3475