Upstate Medical University hospital in Syracuse, NY has announced extra pay raises for it’s nurses, ranging from $2,000 to $3,500 in annual pay increases. The raise, which will benefit 1,648 nurses within the hospital system, is being given in recognition of these nurses going above and beyond the call of duty during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

While this is not the first or only hospital I know of that is recognizing their employees with MONETARY awards, I absolutely think this should be the new normal moving forward. The pandemic was a gruelling and brutal time for a lot of nurses out there, whether they themselves got the virus or simply just dealing with the devastating effects COVID can have on a person. But hanging up signs calling nurses “heroes” and giving out free pizza can only get these hospital systems so far.

It’s far past time that these multi-million/billion dollar corporations start compensating their staff appropriately. And if that means basing bonuses on what types of patients come through the door, then so be it. But it’s time for them to show us the money.