Appropriate starting NP wage

Trauma Columnist · Apr 4, 2012

Much depends on the area of the country. I live in central IL and have been an APN for 6 years at the same practice. When I started, I had 14 years nursing experience (12 as an RN: 10 in a level one trauma center and 2 in an adult ICU and 2 years LTC experience as an LPN). I started at $75,000. Six years later, we are not only in a hiring freeze (with many more pts coming in the door) but we are also not offering $75,000 anymore. The economy still stinks in my area unfortunately.

If you can't immediately negotiate a better contract some things to consider:

1. Have a review in six months with set conditions: seeing X amt of pts and/or billing X amt and then you will get an X amt of raise.

2. Negotiate bonuses for decreased hospitalization rates.

3. Agree to see a certain amt of pts in the first six months with the idea that you will expand to include other NH as possible.

4. Agree to see hospitalized NH pts in order to continue with continuity of care. (Many NH pts are now admitted to hospitalists anyway).

5. Expand your practice to include routine end-of-life discussions - this can be billed separately per Medicare rules.

Best of luck with the negotiations.

DuckFan23 · Apr 4, 2012

Thank you TraumaRus. They have already said d/t me being a new grad my case load will start at about half what the usual is. They did say bonuses are already offered, and they do end-of-life discussions all the time. I'll see what the recruiter says. This company is growing and expanding, they are under the United Healthcare umbrella, so solid company. Here in Oregon things are a bit better with the economy, etc., but in the way of NP jobs, a bit sporifice. A lot of specialty depts asking for them (neurovascular, GYN, peds, psych-especially). Interesting to see the differing conditions around the country.

Thanks again! :)

Tinabeanrn · Apr 6, 2012

Hey Duckfan, I know you are nervous, but I know you will be just fine. As far as your pay, is it starting at 80k? That sounds pretty good to me to start. Get your experience and the money will be there eventually. As you said, jobs are sporifice so you don't want to pass one up that is right up your alley. My preceptor has been an NP for 6 years and she was making 77k doing what you are doing (ECFs) but the perks was she made her own ours and only worked 4 "ten" hour shifts a week. Which ended up being more like 7 or 8 hours per day.

alfredar · Apr 10, 2012

Hello I to am starting a new role as a NP in pain management and was offered 80k and 85k after 6 months. I also thought that this was a resonable salary for a new grad with m-th 9hr shifts and 4 hr on fri I am afraid of stepping into this new role and want to stay in my current position pt is this crazyof me until i am comfortable

gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN · Apr 10, 2012

Has anybody worked locum tenems as a new grad? I called today and they said they take new grads. I have been a travel nurse for awhile and love the extra learning I get at new places. Does anyone think this is a good idea? I just do not know if I should work 2 years and them go locum. I know that is what I did when I was a new RN.

NewNurse12 · Apr 10, 2012

Hi traumaRUs,

I'm a nursing student and was wondering if I can interview you for a class assignment.

Thank You

DuckFan23 · Apr 17, 2012

Has anyone worked for Evercare? I accepted the job with them-they do what I truly wanted to do. My starting wage was above and beyond what I ever dreamed of, especially for a new NP grad. It will be hard work and I am mortified of this being so new to me, but I am excited. The benefits and pay are outstanding.

Tinabeanrn · Apr 17, 2012

I am so Happy for you Duck fan! You will rock it out. Trust me. Just look up what you dont know, you will do just fine. Your on your way! AWE...:)

TX RN · Apr 17, 2012

Has anyone worked for Evercare? I accepted the job with them-they do what I truly wanted to do. My starting wage was above and beyond what I ever dreamed of, especially for a new NP grad. It will be hard work and I am mortified of this being so new to me, but I am excited. The benefits and pay are outstanding.

So are you employed by Evercare?

I see Evercare patients now, combo Medicare state Medicaid policy holders.

WagsNP · May 25, 2012

Hello,

I was just offered 80,000 for a hematology/oncology practice that is 2 miles from my home today. I was called by an office manager and I asked if the salary was negotiable. She said sure and that she would communicate this to the doctors. The figure I had in my head was 85,000 and now I am feeling as though I sounded greedy and I hope that I don't turn them off by my request. I was surprised that the person that called me with the offer couldn't tell me about the CME's, bonuses or other benefits. That makes a huge difference. I will probably accept this offer even if they turn me down because entry level NP jobs are very hard to find these days.

Trauma Columnist · May 25, 2012

Congrats! No fears with negotiating.