Can you negotiate NP salary at the VA?

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Psych.

Can anyone explain to me how this works? I know it is based on the GS scale, but is there any room to negotiate within that scale? Based on the scale, the salary for a new NP without experience (NP experience) is pretty low for my area: around $74k. I will be graduating soon and would love to work at the VA, but that pay is about 20k below market for my part of the country and specialty (psych). I was told by a friend who works at the VA that this is not negotiable, but I would like to get some other opinions....

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Psych NP's in Spokane WA can start at $120,000. The VA is desperate for psych.

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Psych.

Given the fact that the VA needs psych providers, do you think I am in a position to negotiate a little, or does the VA go strictly by the GS scale? I am just shocked by how low the pay is....

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The VA uses Title 38 and a compensation board sets the local rates. The step thing doesn't really apply. There is always room for negotiation based on your experience and how bad they want you.

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And my mistake, I believe they use Title 38 pay scale for practitioners. And look at their benefits!

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I have a tentative job offer for NP job at the VA. I have 10 years experience as a NP ACNP and FNP, no Psych. I will be boarded on this Friday, and see what the offer is, if is way lower than my job right now, then I will not take it and see if they offer more money. Who knows.

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Psych.

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it.

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Specializes in ER, HH, CTICU, corrections, cardiology, hospice.

LubbockNP, are you taking a psych position? W/O psych experience? The reason I ask is I'm considering doing that.

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No the position I received a tentative offer is for Home Based Primary Care. I don't think I could do psych, because I am only FNP, ACNP.

The boarding did not happen and is supposed to happen this week. They asked for a paycheck stub.

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The results of the terrible boarding are: RN II level 6 and salary offer 22% less than I make at the state of Texas. I declined at told them they should re-board me that I am still very interested in the job but not at a level II step 6 and low salary. I was re-boarded and the official offer is Nurse III step 11 and salary offer is 639.00 a year more than my state of Texas job. I accepted and start Aug 25th. I hope that helps.

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I am interested in getting details on how you negotiated from a nurse II to nurse III. I thought that a process improvement project had to be completed in order to get a nurse III. I know VA will not promote or hire you as a nurse III simply because you have a masters degree. Any insight will help. I've been a VA nurse for over 3 1/2 years. I probably should have negotiated when I started but I didn't know that I could do so.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
I am interested in getting details on how you negotiated from a nurse II to nurse III. I thought that a process improvement project had to be completed in order to get a nurse III. I know VA will not promote or hire you as a nurse III simply because you have a masters degree. Any insight will help. I've been a VA nurse for over 3 1/2 years. I probably should have negotiated when I started but I didn't know that I could do so.

When I was a RN I challenged my designation and increased. There is a list of competencies that your manager can send you and you basically write up why you have accomplished each task and provide examples. It was a PITA but resulted in a nice bump in pay.

FWIW the offer VA made me as a NP was $50,000 less than what I started making as a civilian and their highest pay grade for NP at that time was $20,000 less so I said bye-bye. PS their benefits aren't all that impressive any longer.

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