How Much Do Faith Community Nurses Make?
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Registered nurses exploring lateral career moves that integrate spirituality may be interested in learning about the average salary for faith community nurses. Read on to discover average faith community nurse salaries and how you can increase your yearly earnings.
Average Salary for Faith Community Nurses
According to July 2022 Payscale data, the average annual salary for faith community nurses is $69,590, which amounts to $31.25 per hour. Faith community nurses make slightly less than the median salary for all registered nurses of $77,600, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The Highest-Paying States for Faith Community Nurses
The BLS does not record salary data specifically for faith community nurses, but its data on all RNs can offer insight into overall nurse pay. BLS figures indicate that the following states feature the highest pay for RNs.
| State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $124,000 |
| Hawaii | $106,530 |
| Oregon | $98,630 |
| Alaska | $97,230 |
| Massachusetts | $96,630 |
States with higher average annual salaries are likely to offer higher faith community nurse pay. These states rank high for annual RN salaries due to their high cost of living. Strong demand for nurses in these regions also drives salary figures.
4 Ways to Increase Pay As a Faith Community Nurse
RNs who cannot move to higher-paying states can consider other ways to increase their annual salary. These professionals can pursue certification, continue their education with higher degrees, or shift to nursing roles with higher pay.
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Consider Pursuing Certifications
Pursuing a certification can boost your income considerably. Certification is not required for community faith nurses, but it can enhance your expertise and give you an edge in the marketplace. The American Nurses Credentialing Center used to offer online certification for this role but now only offers a renewal course. However, some private, faith-based colleges, such as Concordia University, offer online certification for faith community nurses.
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Increase Your Education Level
Increasing your education level with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or master of science in nursing (MSN) degree can boost your salary. The average RN salary in the U.S. varies depending on the level of education. A 2020 survey by the Journal of Nursing Regulation revealed that associate-level nurses made an average of $63,750, while nurses with BSNs make around $67,000 per year.
Additionally, nurses with MSNs earn $90,000 annually, on average. Taking a faith community nursing training course as part of a BSN or MSN program may also increase your earning capability or help you stand out in the job market.
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Gain Experience in Administrative Roles
Becoming a nurse administrator is another way to increase your salary without relocating. Nurse administrators manage nursing staff in outpatient clinics, physician practices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. The BLS counts these professionals among medical and health services managers and reports that they make a median annual income of $101,340.
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Change Practice Setting
Many faith community nurses work in home healthcare settings or community service centers. By changing your work setting, you could make a significant difference in your salary. Faith community nurses who work in rural healthcare centers can seek home healthcare opportunities in more populated areas to increase their income.
Frequently Asked Questions About Faith Community Nurse Salaries
Where do faith community nurses work?
Faith community nurses often work in home health settings, community health clinics, homeless shelters, and parishes. These professionals also work in traditional nursing roles, such as ambulatory care and hospital settings.
Are faith community nurses in demand?
Yes. The BLS reports a projected increase of 9% in employment growth for all RNs from 2020-2030, which may provide context for growth in this specialty. This increase is partially attributed to the exponential growth of the senior population in need of care in faith communities, outpatient, residential, and home care settings.
Do faith community nurses need a license to practice?
Yes. The minimum requirement for a faith community nurse is an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or BSN and RN licensure. While an ADN can qualify RNs to become faith community nurses, some institutions require BSNs or MSNs.
What is the primary focus of nursing in faith communities?
Nurses often collaborate with religious congregations and institutions, such as religious hospitals or other organizations. Like other community health nurses, faith community nurses also educate clients on wellness and disease prevention measures.
