The Nigerian healthcare system thrives on the tireless efforts of Registered Nurses. They are the backbone of patient care, providing critical support and ensuring a smooth path to recovery.
From administering medication to offering emotional comfort, nurses play a pivotal role in every patient’s journey. But have you ever stopped to wonder – how does their dedication translate into reward?
In this blog, we’ll look into the often-unaddressed topic of nurses’ remuneration in Nigeria. We’ll discuss the stark contrast between their immense responsibilities and the financial realities they face.
Recognizing the Commitment of Nurses
Nursing is a universe of dedication, expertise, and a deep well of compassion. Each nurse brings a unique set of skills and knowledge to the table, ensuring patients receive the most comprehensive care possible.
What truly sets nurses apart is their unwavering dedication. They are constantly by a patient’s bedside, offering not just medical expertise but also emotional support and a listening ear. They are patient educators, tirelessly explaining diagnosis and treatment plans.Â
They are advocates, ensuring patients’ voices are heard and their needs are met.
This dedication is what fuels the engine of the healthcare system. Yet, a crucial question remains: how does such immense dedication translate into financial reward?
Financial Reality
Nursing in Nigeria does not offer the financial rewards one might expect. While the dedication and expertise nurses bring to the table are undeniable, their salaries often paint a different picture.
Compared to other medical professionals, the nursing profession is less financially attractive. Several factors influence a nurse’s salary, with experience and workplace being chief factors. Private hospitals generally offer lower salaries compared to government or teaching hospitals.
Salaries vary depending on educational background as well. Entry-level nurses who graduate from schools of nursing typically start between ₦50,000 and ₦80,000 monthly. Nurses who graduated from universities usually begin their careers at a higher level on the CONHESS salary structure, earning between ₦100,000 and ₦150,000.
There’s also a disparity in pay between federal and state hospitals. Nurses working in federal settings generally receive higher salaries than those in state-run facilities. Nurses are usually compensated with bonuses and allowances, although they may not be of significant amount.
Understanding the CONHESS Salary Structure
In Nigeria, the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) acts as the blueprint for nurse remuneration, alongside other healthcare professionals like Pharmacists, Medical Laboratory Scientists, and Physiotherapists (excluding doctors). This structure establishes a standardised system for determining salaries based on experience and qualifications.
For entry-level nurses, CONHESS offers a minimum placement at CONHESS 07. This translates to a specific salary range (see the image above). As nurses gain valuable experience and climb the professional ladder, they progressively move up the CONHESS scale, unlocking access to higher salary brackets.
University graduates starting their nursing careers have an advantage in the CONHESS system. Their educational background qualifies them for a higher entry point, typically CONHESS 09, compared to nurses graduating from schools of nursing.
Final Thoughts
The current salary structure, while offering some degree of standardisation through CONHESS, leaves room for questions about its adequacy in reflecting the true value nurses bring to the healthcare system.
Understanding the factors influencing nurse salaries, such as experience, education, and workplace, empowers both aspiring and current nurses to make informed decisions about their careers.
Whether it’s pursuing further education to qualify for a higher starting salary or advocating for improved compensation structures within the healthcare system, nurses can leverage this knowledge to handle their financial lives.
