ACNP??? Are my expectation too high?

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Specializes in 1 year ACNP.

I, graduated from ACNP program last May 2007.. I have been interviewing since graduation... In my graduation program..the last preceptorship I was with a critical care intensivist at the hospital that I work as staff RN. The intensivist and my unit director approached me with an opportunity to work as an extender in the MICU. I considered this a great opportunity!!! My dream job...lol!! I was offered a great salary and benefits!! But I also, interviewed with IM that offered a great opportunity. (10-15 patients/day; no weekends; 6 paid holidays; 2 bi-annual bonuses for productivity; one weekend out the month; 401K with 3% matching in the first year; salary 87K in three months increase to 90K;etc)This contract not to bad!! I turned this contract down because I was more for familiar or comfortable with critical care areas than medical floors. So, I decided to go with MICU NP position..after filling out all the paper work for credentialing,etc. The job was canceled!!So I was double screwed... All these private docs play games with salaries..I keep going on interviews were I am having to negotiate larger salary than offered! These employers know the competitive salary of new NPs but still the NP salary is unequal to expectations of the employers:bluecry1:. for example:

Today, I had a meeting for salary negotiation with hospitalist team--

They first offered $50,000 in based salary--and monthly bonuses based on productivity.

I totally refused the base-salary because productivity it is so much to consider..e.g. low census or whatever!!

So, my question is ...is this reasonable or not?

I completely rejected $50,000 so the negotiator went up to $65,000 but I feel at least $70,000-75,000 should be my base, uh??? pls tell me your opinions exp. NPs.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

It sounds like you've had bad luck with your employment search. I don't know what area of the country you live in but I have to agree that 50K is selling yourself short. I would have to also agree that 70-75K is reasonable. However, if push comes to shove you may have to settle for a lower pay just so you can start an NP position and gain experience in the field. It's been almost a year since you graduated (sorry if it sounds like I'm rubbing it in). The first job is usually the hardest to negotiate as far as salary because you have no experience (and professional references who can attest your NP skills) to prove. Good luck and I hope you find a good job for you soon.

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Go to your local bookstore and get "Negotiating Your Salary: How to Make $1000 a Minute" by Jack Chapman. Hands down the best book on Salary negotiation. I wish I had read this 8 years ago. posted by CoreO in my Negotiating thread

Also go to Advance for Nurse Practitioners and look at their recent salary survey.

Also look up what RN's make in your area. 50,000 is usually at or below what a RN makes.

I don't think 65k is too bad for a starting salary, that was what i told myself for a minimum starting salary.

So i found this info,

FNP ave. 79,091

hosp. NP. 86,630

Ave. overall 81,397

0-1 yrs exp. ave. 76,802

Texas ave. 85,931

Colorado Ave. 77,450

https://allnurses.com/forums/f34/np-fellowship-296766-2.html

this thread also has some good conversation about negotiating.

hope that helps.

it really depends a lot on where you live. In texas the salary's seemed pretty high, but were comparable.

Here in Colorado the salaries tend to be lower and they want 3+ years exp....

And its not like cost of living is lower here in Denver, I think it is much lower in the south.

Its all about supply and demand, all the people/interviews i talked to in Texas ALL said they just couldn't find any nurse practitioners.

Neelia

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Specializes in 1 year ACNP.

I am located in Houston, Texas and the jobs are available. I finally find the position to fit my expectations (at least on paper). My work hours will be great, physician is extremely nice and salary/benefits is competitive with the market. So, I look forward to this great opportunity. Thanks

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.
I am located in Houston, Texas and the jobs are available. I finally find the position to fit my expectations (at least on paper). My work hours will be great, physician is extremely nice and salary/benefits is competitive with the market. So, I look forward to this great opportunity. Thanks

Congratulations. I hope the new job works out well for you.

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I know of a job that's available now at a hospital in Corpus Christi. It pays well over 100K per year with full benefits, etc. I'm shocked you haven't even landed a job after being out of school for a year! PM me if you're interested and I'll give you the details.

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Specializes in 1 year ACNP.

Thanks...I have had several jobs offers but I finally accepted an offer 3 months ago and it is going well. Thanks again

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Specializes in trauma ICU,TNCC, NRP, PALS, ACLS.

In texas is there a demand for NP???

Texas ave. 85,931

Colorado Ave. 77,450

https://allnurses.com/forums/f34/np-fellowship-296766-2.html

this thread also has some good conversation about negotiating.

Its all about supply and demand, all the people/interviews i talked to in Texas ALL said they just couldn't find any nurse practitioners.

Neelia

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