Professional Advice Needed

First of all, one of my friends blurted out a way to low salary during an interview. Upon receiving an offer for the amount she asked for, she drafted a nice letter stating that she hadn't really thought about a fair salary prior to the interview and after doing some research she couldn't accept that salary, rather she felt a salary of X was more appropriate. The practice quickly raised their offer to her new minimum. You may also have room to negotiate since you won't require medical benefits. Maybe you could negotiate for them to pay for your own malpractice ins. or something else in lieu of the medical benefits.

I had a job offer in OB/GYN that offerred $3500 CME b/c there is so much to learn (IUD insertion, colposcopy, endo biopsies, etc.) They actual felt that I would exceed the 1 week time off and $3500 for CME the first couple of years, but since they were sending me they would pay anyway.

The job I actually took is in pediatrics. I have $1,000 CME/yr and NO CME time off. I do have a 4 day workweek with 4 weeks vaca and 6 or 8 holidays so I didn't mind not having the CME time.

I did get my own ins., NPI number, DEA number, and hospital credentialing. I started the tedious process of trying to figure out how to do the ins. credentialing when my new employer told me that it is way to complex for a provider to do themselves. Instead the company that does their billing takes care of credentialing. For my small practice, I had to sign at least 50 different forms that the billing company would then complete and submit with copies of lots of the paperwork they requested from me. I hope that this office only wanted you to start compiling your paperwork (license, certification, dea, college diplomas, etc) not actually start the ins. credentialing!!!!!!!!!

I don't know where you live, but the offer really doesn't sound that appealing. I live in a very NP oversaturated area with low, low salaries and feel that my offer as a new grad is much better. I only say this to encourage you not to short change yourself. If this isn't the right offer for you, just wait a little longer and something will appear!

Oh lastly, yes...you want a contract with everything in writing so the expectations are clear for both sides! Even though this practice has never hired an NP before, if they have ever hired a Dr. I am sure they know they should provide you with a written contract.

Good luck and keep us posted!