Acceptable restrictive non compete clauses

[210TxAGNP]

I'm a new NP with my first offer/contract which was perfect until the covenant not to compete. It's extremely restrictive stating upon termination/end of contract I cannot practice as a NP in primary care within a 10-mile radius of the clinic for 2 years. I'm not in a rural setting so this radius pretty much encompasses all medical centers in my area. If I decide I want to practice within the area, I can pay the employer a small fee of $50,000! Has anyone experienced this and had successful counteroffers? I've declined the initial offer due to this but left it open ended for discussion. Is there ever an acceptable non compete that doesn't inflict harm to the employer's business or the employee's ability to earn a living? 

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Hmmm...I had a non-compete once that the radius was 25 miles and specifically in my specialty.  I did not agree to this. How about a lawyer looking this over?

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

Definitely consult a contract lawyer. Laws on non-competes vary from state to state, and they are not always enforceable. For example, a non-compete may not be valid if it does not allow you to work for another company in the area. It may only be about opening your own competing practice. Would it be okay with you if that were the case? It's important to clarify what your specific non-compete actually means.