When I first stepped into the role of Director of Nursing, I was like many others—I focused on how much I’d make per hour.
It seemed like a natural way to measure my worth. But after working countless extra hours, taking late-night calls, and staying long past my shift, I quickly realized that I wasn’t being compensated for that extra time.
It didn’t take long for me to see that the hourly mindset was only leading me toward burnout, with no real payoff.
I knew I had to think of something different.
That realization led me down a different path—one where I started investing in myself, learning more about how to improve as a nurse leader, and understanding how to leverage my skills and knowledge in ways that truly added value to my facility.
It was a game changer. So, let’s talk about why focusing on the value you bring,
rather than just your salary, is the key to unlocking greater financial rewards and creating a more sustainable, fulfilling career.
Why the Hourly Mindset Falls Short
As a Director of Nursing, your role goes far beyond the typical 40-hour workweek.
The reality is, if you’re in this role, you’re probably doing more than what’s listed in the job description—handling staff issues, managing resident concerns, dealing with compliance, and everything in between.
But here’s the thing: in a salaried position, those extra hours don’t automatically translate to extra pay.
More Hours, Same Pay: Unlike hourly roles, where overtime is paid out, a salaried position doesn’t increase your pay just because you work extra hours. I remember those late nights, thinking, “If I put in the extra time, it’ll pay off eventually.” But the reality is, no matter how many hours I put in, my paycheck stayed the same.
Burnout Waiting to Happen: I learned the hard way that working all those extra hours takes a toll. It’s exhausting, and before long, it starts affecting your performance and your ability to stay passionate about your work. Burnout is real, and if you’re just focused on hours, it’s almost inevitable.
Missing the Bigger Picture: When I was stuck in the hourly mindset, I didn’t see the bigger opportunities right in front of me. I wasn’t thinking about the bigger impact I could have on my facility by leveraging my skills and expertise in new ways. And that’s where the shift to a value-based mindset made all the difference.
Shifting to a Value-Based Mindset: A Game Changer
When I started focusing on the value I could bring instead of just the time I spent, my entire approach to the role changed—and so did my earning potential. Here’s why shifting to a value-based mindset can make a huge difference for you as a DON:
Value Creates Results: I realized that instead of counting hours, I should be counting the results I delivered. For example, when I implemented programs that reduced staff turnover or improved survey outcomes, I was adding real value to the facility. Those results spoke louder than any amount of overtime could.
Becoming a Strategic Partner: As I started to focus on the value I brought, I became more than just another salaried employee—I became a strategic partner in the success of the facility. I had ideas, I proposed solutions, and I started to position myself as someone who could solve problems. That opened the door to better compensation and new opportunities.
Investing in Myself: I knew I needed to step up my game, so I invested in my own growth. I took courses, attended conferences, and learned everything I could about leadership and improving facility outcomes. The more I invested in myself, the more I was able to bring back to my role.
Why Focusing on Value Pays Off More Than Extra Hours
Let me break it down with an example:
The Hourly Approach: When I started, I thought, “If I put in extra hours, I’ll be more valuable.” But after clocking those hours and still feeling undervalued, I saw that this approach wasn’t sustainable. My salary wasn’t budging, and I was wearing myself out in the process. My houlry rate decreased because I worked more than my 40 hours a week. I am sure everyone can relate to that.
The Value Approach: When I shifted my focus, I started thinking about how I could make a difference in my facility. I created processes that I knew would improve outcomes. That wasn’t just something I did—it was a result I could point to.
How to Increase Your Value (and Your Salary) as a Director of Nursing
If you’re ready to move beyond the hourly mindset and focus on the value you bring, here are a few ways to get started:
Track Your Wins: Keep a record of the positive changes you’ve made in your facility—things like reduced agency costs, improved resident satisfaction, or better survey outcomes. These wins are proof of the value you add.
Create Solutions, Not Just Work Harder: Look for problems that need solving in your facility and propose actionable solutions. Whether it’s a new process for care coordination or a program that enhances staff engagement, being proactive can make a big difference.
Negotiate with Value in Mind: When you sit down to discuss your salary, don’t just focus on the hours you work. Highlight the impact you’ve made. Bring data, success stories, and examples of how your efforts have saved time, money, or improved outcomes. This will make a much stronger case for why you deserve a raise or bonus.
Continue Learning and Growing: Invest in yourself. Whether it’s through leadership courses, certifications, or attending professional conferences, expanding your knowledge is an investment that pays off. The more you know, the more value you can bring—and that means you’re worth more.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Worth Beyond the Clock
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through my journey, it’s that the clock doesn’t define your worth.
As a Director of Nursing, you have so much to offer beyond the hours you put in. When you focus on the value you bring, you’re not just working harder—you’re working smarter, creating real results that benefit your facility and your career.
So, take a step back, look at the bigger picture, and think about how you can leverage your skills to make a lasting impact.
That’s how you unlock your true earning potential—not by working more hours, but by showing just how valuable you really are.
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