Atrium Health Increases Pay Twice Within a Month Benefiting More than 16,500 Employees
9,000 nurses’ pay being increased following recent minimum wage increase
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 19, 2018 – Less than a month after sharing an industry-leading minimum wage increase to $12.50 in the Charlotte region, Atrium Health is announcing a majority of nurses working for the system will receive increases ranging from $0.50 to $1.00 per hour, depending on their role. This market increase will take effect the same time as the minimum wage increase on July 22, 2018, and represents a $5.6 million investment into the lives of an additional 9,000 employees.
On June 28, Atrium Health announced a minimum wage increase to $12.50 per hour, ensuring Atrium Health is not just competitive among top large employers, but also industry-leading in the Charlotte region. The minimum wage increase represented a $2.1 million investment into the lives of more than 7,500 employees. With the additional $5.6 million invested into 9,000 nursing roles, Atrium Health is now investing a total of over $7.7 million into the lives of more than 16,500 employees.
“Recruiting and retaining the best nurses in this region is vital to Atrium Health’s ability to provide the best care for our patients,” says Maureen Swick, senior vice president and system nurse executive for Atrium Health. “Competitive pay is one of many important factors that nurses consider when choosing where they work. A supportive work environment, career opportunities and recognizing the valuable contributions our nurses make each day are also very important, and I’m proud that Atrium Health focuses on these things every day.”
Each year, Atrium Health reviews employee salary data from multiple sources to determine if pay rates are competitive within the market. Appropriate adjustments are then made to ensure Atrium Health remains competitive and well positioned as the region’s most comprehensive healthcare provider. Market adjustments like this are just one part of the holistic compensation packages offered by Atrium Health that also includes annual merit adjustments, performance incentives and other monetary awards.
“Our nurses represent some of the finest healthcare providers in the country, and this increase demonstrates our continued commitment to them and shows our thankfulness and appreciation for the exceptional care they provide our patients every single day,” says Jim Dunn, system chief human resources officer for Atrium Health. “This latest increase is another great example of how Atrium Health remains committed to providing comprehensive compensation and benefits that attract and retain engaged employees.”
As one of this region’s largest employers, with more than 35,000 teammates in the Charlotte area, this latest increase not only supports Atrium Health employees, but also exemplifies Atrium Health’s full commitment to improving economic growth and vibrancy in Charlotte and the surrounding region.
About Atrium Health
Atrium Health, previously Carolinas HealthCare System, one of the nation's leading and most innovative healthcare organizations, provides a full spectrum of healthcare and wellness programs throughout the Southeast region. Its diverse network of care locations includes academic medical centers, hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, physician practices, surgical and rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, nursing homes and behavioral health centers, as well as hospice and palliative care services. Atrium Health works to enhance the overall health and well-being of its communities through high-quality patient care, education and research programs, and numerous collaborative partnerships and initiatives.
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