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Discussion

Compensation for Call Pay

As in my previous post I'm a surgical NP and have not had to take call in the past. I have a question for you NPs that take call.

My specialty here at the hospital has had a recent exodus of surgeons, leaving them very short-staffed for call. I've offered to take it in the interim of new surgeons signing on-with the acknowledgement that there would still need to be a surgeon on 'OR call' for cases in which we have to take someone to the OR.

So what do I ask for compensation-wise? My role (as I see it) would be coming in to the hospital for any consults to our service as needed and fielding calls from office patients. I do not bill, but since NPs can bill at 85% of MDs salary do I aim for 85% of their call pay?

What do you think? Thanks

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    • Experts

    So that's a tough one because if I understood they are still going to have to pay a Doc to be on call also and take surgery cases?

    In psych because I do exactly the same as the psychiatrists when on call I insist on the same compensation but again I only get away with that because I'm doing the same job. I'd probably figure what its worth to me to be terrorized overnight and that would be my base for call with a different rate if you actually have to go into the hospital. I don't ever have to go in off hours but if I did it wouldn't be for less than time + 1/2 with a minimum and possibly consideration for drive time.

    It will be interesting to see what others in your specialty have received.

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    What Jules said + just remember that you have all the leverage here and don't let them lowball you. Might be too late now, but I would have couched it as I would *reluctantly* do the on-call in exchange for you getting the number you want. Also have to factor in the possibility that "interim" is a relative word...factor in the "terrorized at night" (love how you put that) possibly being a prolonged time period...or get start and end dates in writing. Nonetheless, get the rate agreed upon in writing no matter what to avoid "he said, she said."

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    I guess it depends on a few "professional" factors. 1) How confident are you that you can handle situations appropriately. If you can handle most things until sun-up, and avoid bothering the on-call surgeon, you are worth more. 2) How long have you been with the group, and are you respected by them. They should be willing to pay you near what the surgeon makes if they know you can confidently do the job. If they think of you as a glorified answering service, you aren't worth as much to them. 3) Would you be willing to walk if you want a particular pay and they won't consider it...and would they let you walk?

    It sounds like you are not quite in the driver's seat, or you wouldn't be here asking. You don't seem to know your own worth to them. Start with that.

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    Ok-update it would only be phone call triage for the surgeon group. Would a flat fee for 48 hours of weekend phone call coverage like 1K be reasonable? I think that's the least I would take to be bothered with it.

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    Ok-update it would only be phone call triage for the surgeon group. Would a flat fee for 48 hours of weekend phone call coverage like 1K be reasonable? I think that's the least I would take to be bothered with it.

    Be blunt and ask what the group makes for taking that call in a year and divide that number by 365 and multiply by 2 (for 2 days). If they're getting half a million in their contract for 24/7, 365 call, they're earning $1369.86 a day.

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    • Guides

    My last hospital pays surgical NPs like $3.50/hr for on call so good luck with $1000/weekend!

    Also, once you accept it, this won't go away every again, so be prepared for that.

    My new hospital just removed the surgical NPs call pay entirely - they "adjusted" their annual salary some to "make up for it".. I feel like it doesn't make up for it, or they wouldn't have changed it if it didn't help their bottom line lol.

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    • Experts
    My last hospital pays surgical NPs like $3.50/hr for on call so good luck with $1000/weekend!

    You can not be serious. Who would agree to that? My compensation isn't especially pertinent here but OMG I get between $300-$500 and many nights I end up thinking that's not nearly enough.

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    I earn $150 each day I am on call if I do not have o go into the hospital. If I have to go in it becomes $150, +mileage, and I clock in when I get there to earn my usual hourly rate until I am done.

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    • Guides

    For reals. I am not one of those that take call lol

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