Implementation of a salaried compensation program for registered nurses.

Abstract

Compensation is a key variable in recruitment and retention of registered nurses. A 6-month trial of an exempt/salaried wage program for registered nurses, based on normative change theory, was implemented in the adult critical care division of a 491-bed community hospital. A total of 58 registered nurses participated in the trial. At the end of 6 months on salary, 94% (53) of the nurses voted to remain salaried. The staff perceived that the new wage program increased flexibility in work schedules and promoted teamwork and professional autonomy.