What do YOU think ... about nursing pay?Should the Gov pay NHS nurses more? Are NHS band pay rates fair? Do nurses in the private sector really get paid more than NHS colleagues? Will Clap For The NHS translate into more pay?
We've written a huge amount about nursing pay elsewhere on this site. We know it's a subject that nurses are very interested in. Now we want to know what YOU think. Comment 💬 Like ❤️ Reply 🙂 below.
*Please note, this article was written before the 3% pay rise was agreed in July 2021. For all the latest info regarding pay as an NHS Nurse, head to our comprehensive nursing pay guide.
Nurses were not included in the Government's announcement on July 21st 2020 that 900,000 public sector workers, including doctors, would be given a pay rise.
Many nurses felt scorned and the RCN said it was unacceptable given the effort and risk nurses have made during the Coronavirus pandemic.
NHS nursing pay is now in its third year of the New Pay Deal. The average NHS nurse gets paid £33,384.
Some feel this doesn't reflect the work nurses do and the Government should pay more.
For nurses in the private sector where pay is unregulated nurses tend to earn a little more, but have fewer benefits.
Is this a myth?
Care home nurses - has it ever been more challenging to work in the care home sector than in 2020?
Do you feel you are recognised for your hard work well enough in your remuneration?
National support for nurses is at an all-time high as a result of Coronavirus.
Clap For The NHS showed the gratitude of millions.
But are the British public prepared to pay more taxes to fund a pay increase for nurses?
NHS Pay Bands mean NHS nurses can earn higher salaries if they are prepared to move up a Band.
Is that fair?
Do the Pay Bands reflect what nursing is worth?
Let me know in the comments your thoughts on nursing pay - let's chat there!
Oh, and please Like this article to let me know you enjoyed it - thank you!
About this contributor
Nurses.co.uk Founder
I launched Nurses.co.uk (and subsequently Socialcare.co.uk, Healthjobs.co.uk and Healthcarejobs.ie) in 2008. 500 applications are made every day via our jobs boards, helping to connect hiring organisations recruiting for clinical, medical, care and support roles with specialist jobseekers. Our articles, often created by our own audience, shine a light on the career pathways in healthcare, and give a platform to ideas and opinions around their work and jobs.
More by this contributorWant to get involved in the discussion?
Log In Subscribe to commentElizabeth Hudson
Elizabeth Hudson
4 years agoI have been a nurse for many years and, in fairness, there have been wage increases. Many people will never ... read more
I have been a nurse for many years and, in fairness, there have been wage increases. Many people will never be satisfied with their pay, working conditions, colleagues, hours etc., etc.. However, as with any line of work, we chose to do what we do. Do many now do nursing, in it's many forms, for the salary or becuse they really want to care. We all deserve to be appreciated and valued, but I am not sure this should always be related to a pay rise. Perhaps working patterns, shifts and work / life balance are what really matter?
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Nikki Baver-Pollard
Nikki Baver-Pollard
4 years agoI agree... I’m a newly qualified nurse working in a GP practice and my peers will be earning so much ... read more
I agree... I’m a newly qualified nurse working in a GP practice and my peers will be earning so much more than me next year due to the pay rise they will get through the agenda for change pay scales!
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Joy Stringer
Joy Stringer
4 years agoAs the NHS is 72 years old it’s about time nurses got a decent wage. Sick of trying to manage ... read more
As the NHS is 72 years old it’s about time nurses got a decent wage. Sick of trying to manage
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Paula Washington
Paula Washington
4 years agoThe UK will loose iut in excellent Nurses to the USA and other jurisdictions due to the salaries.
The UK will loose iut in excellent Nurses to the USA and other jurisdictions due to the salaries.
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Paula Washington
Paula Washington
4 years agoDefinitely not, Registered Nurses salaries in the UK is way too low.I came to work there in 2018-2019, and my ... read more
Definitely not, Registered Nurses salaries in the UK is way too low.I came to work there in 2018-2019, and my financies deteriorated. I would love to return byt recently received a startting salary of 22900 per year. Inhave over 10 years experience in various arms of Nursing. I am looking and hoping to receive a decent starting salary
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zoe creasey
zoe creasey
4 years agoI’m not a nurse, but I have many friends who work in healthcare. Whether that’s in care homes, gps, the ... read more
I’m not a nurse, but I have many friends who work in healthcare. Whether that’s in care homes, gps, the nhs or private hospitals. What they are getting currently is an abismal amount and I for one am appalled at the way this government is treating those who have saved so many thousands of lives. Not only through this pandemic but overall since the nhs was founded. The fact they cheered when the vote came through to not honour a pay rise is beyond all comprehension. And to add insult to injury by simply just offering them a badge that entitles them to discounts (which they have to pay for) is another kick in the teeth. Especially seeing as the government has ruled they themselves are allowed a huge payrise. Along with the expenses allowance which they waste on disgusting things. We tax payers shouldn’t be helping them live this life of utter luxury.
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Louise Tulloch
Louise Tulloch
4 years agoMatt please use your platform in the year of the nurse to make a huge change for GPNs everywhere!
Matt please use your platform in the year of the nurse to make a huge change for GPNs everywhere!
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Yes, maybe others reading this would like to share their experiences around the subject of pensions for GPNs?
I agree... I’m a newly qualified nurse working in a GP practice and my peers will be earning so much more than me next year due to the pay rise they will get through the agenda for change pay scales!