$5 Nurse Pandemic Pay Differential Cut By Chicago Health System During Nurses Week

Image source: Positively Naperville

Endeavor Health, Chicago-area operator of nine hospitals including Edward Hospital in Naperville and Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, decided that National Nurses Week was the best time to phase out its $5-per-hour pandemic pay differential for ICU and emergency department nurses. Because what better way to say “thank you” than by trimming paychecks just as you’re handing out those “Nurses are Heroes!” balloons?

Background: The Pandemic Pay Differential

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Endeavor Health (then NorthShore University HealthSystem) introduced a $5-per-hour pay differential for nurses working in intensive care units and emergency departments. This temporary measure was implemented to address severe staffing shortages and the extraordinary demands placed on frontline staff during the crisis.

A spokesperson for Endeavor Health explained, “During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many health systems nationwide, NorthShore University HealthSystem’s Emergency Departments and ICUs faced unprecedented patient volumes and critical nursing shortages. To support its frontline teams during this challenging time, a $5/hour differential was introduced... with clear communication at that time that the differential was temporary and would continue to be evaluated.”

The Announcement and Transition Plan

With the pandemic's acute phase now over, Endeavor Health leadership has decided to phase out the differential. The announcement was made during National Nurses Week, a time typically reserved for celebrating nurses' contributions and dedication.

To ease the transition, Endeavor Health will pay 50% of the differential ($2.50 per hour) to eligible nurses over the next twelve months, starting in June 2025. Nurse leaders met in person with affected teams to ensure transparent communication and clarity around the decision.

Nurses React to the Pay Change

The timing and nature of the change have sparked frustration among some nurses, especially as it coincides with a week meant to honor their work. On social media and Reddit, nurses voiced their concerns, but others were surprised they had not made the change sooner:

• “I didn't realize there were still hospitals paying covid pay, this is probably one of the last systems to still be doing so.”
• “After the meeting two nurses on my shift gave notice already. At least five others started job searching. I am one of those. After all the pay cuts including the cut to how overtime works, I would make 20 percent less in the next year. I will make more money at any of the other hospitals I can drive to from my house.”
• “They couldn’t wait a week lol”

What Comes Next?

"With the pandemic behind us and a focus on how we align our compensation now as part of a broader health system to invest in and support our nurses for the long-term, we have made the decision to phase out this differential for NorthShore," the Endeavor spokesperson said. “Nurse leaders met in person with the teams impacted by this change this week to ensure transparent communication and clarity around this decision.”

While Endeavor Health frames the elimination of the pandemic pay differential as a necessary step toward long-term stability and fairness, the timing during National Nurses Week has left many nurses feeling underappreciated. As the health system moves forward, the impact on nurse morale and retention will be closely watched by staff and the broader healthcare community.

 

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