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OSF Advance Career Ladder Program

OSF Advance Career Ladder Program

At OSF HealthCare, we recognize and reward nursing excellence through the OSF RN and LPN Career Ladder Programs. These programs invest in nurses by acknowledging their contributions, supporting professional development and offering structured career progression.

The program includes the full scope of professional nursing practice in the four domains of nurse as leader, nurse as practitioner, nurse as transferor of knowledge and nurse as scientist.

OSF RN Career Ladder Program

Designed for registered nurses (RNs) providing direct patient care in person or virtually, the OSF RN Career Ladder Program follows Patricia Benner’s “Novice to Expert” professional nursing development model.

Novice to Advanced Beginner (Clinical Nurse I)

After graduating nursing school, you start as a novice and progress to an advanced beginner.
At this level, you demonstrate concrete thinking and focus on individual aspects of patient care rather than the holistic patient condition.
During the first year, you participate in the Nurse Residency Program with educational content in your area of focus.
Experienced nurses complete a 90-day probation period.

Competent Stage (Clinical Nurse II)

In this stage, you expand your knowledge and begin independent practice with support from nurses with greater experience.
To become a Clinical Nurse II, you must complete credits in two of four nursing domains and graduate the Nurse Residency Program or complete the 90-day probationary period.

Proficient Stage (Clinical Nurse III)

After caring for the same patient population for 18-24 months, you may enter the Proficient stage.
In this stage, you become an independent caregiver with the ability to make sound decisions and serve as a resource to other nurses.
A BSN and national certification in your specialty area are required.
Completion of credits through OSF Corporate University in three of four nursing domains is required.

Expert Level (Clinical Nurse IV)

After completing an MSN, you may advance to the Expert stage.
In this stage, you provide intuitive care based on extensive experience.

Advanced Expert Level (Clinical Nurse V)

After completing a DNP or PhD, you may advance to the Advanced Expert stage.
In this stage, you contribute to research and disseminate findings.
If you’re a DNP, you:
- Must have conducted or be conducting at least one translational science nursing research study or EBP project either as PI or Co-PI/Site PI during the application year (study does not have to be closed).
- Will do translational research that closes the gap between research and practice by transforming scientific findings or discoveries from basic research into new clinical tools, processes, or applications, thus improving patient care and promoting public health.
- Cannot count the same study multiple years.
If you’re a PhD, you:
- Must have conducted or be conducting at least one nursing research study (quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods) either as PI or Co-PI/Site PI during the application year that increases or advances knowledge through systematic investigation of a subject or phenomenon related to nursing and/or patient care. (Study does not have to be closed.)
- Cannot count the same study multiple years.
When disseminating research findings, you will do so both internally and externally to OSF HealthCare via one or more of the following modalities (Letter of acceptance to present or publish is allowed if not occurring in the same year):
- Poster presentation
- Podium presentation
- Publication in a peer-reviewed journal
- TRIP can be used for internal dissemination by DNP

RN Career Levels and Pay Raises

Level	Requirements	Pay Increase
CN I	Entry-level RNs with associate, diploma or BSN degree Enrolled in the Nurse Residency Program or within 90-day probationary period Nurses not wishing or able to advance within the ladder program	Baseline
CN II	Has associate, diploma or BSN degree Completion of Nurse Residency program or probationary period Has completed 12-19 approved credits from at least two of the four domains	5% pay raise over baseline
CN III	Has a BSN or an associate’s degree or diploma in nursing plus 20 or more years of employment as a clinical nurse. Holds an accredited or OSF-approved national certification in area of specialty Has completed 20-29 approved credits from at least three of the four domains	10% pay raise over baseline
CN IV	Has an MSN or higher degree in nursing Holds an accredited or OSF-approved national certification in area of specialty Is a member of a professional nursing organization Has completed 30 or more approved credits from all four domains	15 pay raise over baseline
CN V	Has a DNP or PhD in nursing Holds an accredited national certification in area of specialty Is a member of a professional nursing organization Has completed 30 or more approved credits from all four domains	20% pay raise over baseline

OSF LPN Career Ladder Program

The OSF LPN Career Ladder Program supports licensed practical nurses (LPNs) providing direct patient care in person or virtually and follows the same “Novice to Expert” framework.

Novice to Advanced Beginner (LPN I)

After graduating from an LPN program or transitioning to a new care area, you start your career as a novice.
After completing your initial orientation and participating in the Nurse Residency Program, you progress to the Advanced Beginner stage as an LPN I.
At this level, your demonstrate concrete thinking and focus on individual aspects of patient care rather than the holistic patient condition.
During the first year, you’ll participate in additional programs and continuing education to advance knowledge.

Competent Stage (LPN II)

In this stage, you expand your knowledge and begin independent practice with support from nurses with greater experience.
To become an LPN II, you must complete credits in

Proficient Stage (LPN III)

After caring for the same patient population for 18-24 months, you may enter the Proficient stage.
In this stage, you become an independent caregiver with the ability to make sound decisions and serve as a resource to other nurses.
You must obtain a certification in your specialty area. Examples include,
- IV therapy (NAPNES)
- Pharmacology (NAPNES)
- Long-term care (NAPNES)
- Wound care
- Nephrology
- Hospice and palliative care
- Breastfeeding support
- Urology
- Peritoneal dialysis
- Gerontology
- Casting and splinting
- OASIS (COS-C)
To become an LPN III, you must complete defined mentor courses and specified contributions in three of four domains of nursing.

LPN Career Levels and Pay Raises

Level	Requirements	Pay Increase
LPN I	Entry-level licensed practical or vocational nurse Must be enrolled in the OSF Clinical Nurse Residency Program (for new graduates within the last 12 months) or complete 90-day evaluation (for experienced nurses).	Baseline
LPN II	Has completed LPN I requirements Has completed 12-19 credits from at least two or the four domains	5% pay raise over baseline
LPN III	Has completed LPN I and II requirements Has obtained an approved certificate or national certification in specialty area Precepting clinical staff Has completed the OSF mentor program Has completed 20-29 credits from at least three of four domains	10% pay raise over baseline

Certification and Education Assistance

OSF HealthCare supports nurses pursuing accredited certifications and recertifications. Educational assistance covers certification costs, study materials and preparation programs.