First job woes

[ArmaniX]

Hey all. New AGACNP here and been looking for the "ideal" job for a couple months. Was wondering if anyone has any tips for negotiation or opinions of it for a new grad?

I've been offered a position in a hospital surgical ICU group and honestly it is a job I really feel would help me grow into this career and I'd enjoy it. However, I can't see myself accepting the job and its responsibilities at the offered salary (less than 100k, 97k and change).

I'm thinking of how to, respectfully, counter offer but wonder how it should be worded. Classmates of mine have received offers at other facilities in the same state for around 105k and one even greater then 115k.

Opinions, ideas, or conversation?

[djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP]

I stand corrected as pertains to unionized hospitals. I have zero experience with those, as they do not exist in my state. But the sarcasm is duly noted. Hereabouts, unions aren't a "normal" state of being, so my previous comment about "patently false" pertains only to nonunionized hospitals. Better?

Not always the case even with non-union. Hospitals have operating budgets. At least two of the four systems I've worked only based pay on experience and didn't budge in pay.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

I hire ACNPs for critical care. HR controls the pay offer, based on experience, but I ALWAYS tell candidates to negotiate! Never accept the first offer! There is always a range, and room to move with hours etc. All bonuses and raises are based on salary so go for the highest you can. They can only say no and give you the change to accept or decline. Always ask about signing bonus - they won't offer if you don't ask! I have had candidates in same position with a $15K/yr pay difference, merely based on their negotiation, or not. It's also smart to go to the physician in charge and thank them for the interview opportunity and mention that you are interested in the position but may not be able to agree on terms. They can often put pressure on HR/admin if they really want you.

[Riburn3, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

I've gotten a low offer before and didn't even try and counter. I basically did what the OP did, explain my reasons, and decline. In that situation they were pretty desperate and I got a call back from the HR manager a few hours later asking what I would take.

I liken it to when selling a house and a buyer makes so a lowballl offer, you don't even bother countering. Usually buyers really want what theyre making an offer on and the next go round, come back on their own with something more substantial.

That said, OP, I don't think you did wrong, but if you really wanted the job you should have simply asked something basic like "is there any wiggle room in the salary"? A simple question and most HR people in a hospital system are given a range to negotiate on, not a fixed number. My guess is had you done this you would get a "let me check with my manager" car salesman answer, and get a better deal.

[Jules A, MSN]

I've gotten a low offer before and didn't even try and counter. I basically did what the OP did, explain my reasons, and decline. In that situation they were pretty desperate and I got a call back from the HR manager a few hours later asking what I would take.

I liken it to when selling a house and a buyer makes so a lowballl offer, you don't even bother .

If I had refused to discuss the many insulting offers, both intentional and ill informed, I would have missed several excellent opportunities. Its business not personal. I continue repeating my rate with every counter until they meet my request or they say they are done. A majority of the time it worked out in my favor and regardless I'm not letting my pride or their stupidity cost me a job I want without at least making my requirements crystal clear.

As for selling property I guess it depends on the market but unless I had multiple offers I don't see the value in refusing to make a verbal counter to a low ball offer.

[ArmaniX, MSN, APRN]

Waiting for additional offers is a drag. Haha.

[ArmaniX, MSN, APRN]

New offer. Maryland.

Rotating shifts in ICU.

Salary $100,000

Increase by 5% after 6 month period.

Shift differential between 9-20%

$2250 CME with 1 week not taken from PTO.

Full benefits.

6 month orientation.

Relocation assistance.

[Jules A, MSN]

New offer. Maryland.

Rotating shifts in ICU.

Salary $100,000

Increase by 5% after 6 month period.

Shift differential between 9-20%

$2250 CME with 1 week not taken from PTO.

Full benefits.

6 month orientation.

Relocation assistance.

Maryland? Way low in my opinion but the 6 month orientation is a nice perk, unbelievable but nice if you need it.

[ArmaniX, MSN, APRN]

Maryland? Way low in my opinion but the 6 month orientation is a nice perk, unbelievable but nice if you need it.

I agree. Job prospects are slim and I feel like the waiting game is not working in my favor.

[Jules A, MSN]

No local contacts?

You could always counter. It also depends on where it is. Baltimore is getting almost as expensive as DC but the western and eastern shore are still reasonably priced, provided you are willing to live there.

[ArmaniX, MSN, APRN]

No local contacts?

You could always counter. It also depends on where it is. Baltimore is getting almost as expensive as DC but the western and eastern shore are still reasonably priced, provided you are willing to live there.

My hospital simply does not pay well. Low 90s (florida). This job offer is one of the main hospitals in Baltimore. Seems doable as far as living (single individual, dogs). I'm going to attempt to counter but also feel once I gain experience I'll have more to bargain with. I dont know.

[Jules A, MSN]

Low 100s in Baltimore is probably comparable to low 90s in Florida COL wise??? Hopefully others will post.

[ArmaniX, MSN, APRN]

Low 100s in Baltimore is probably comparable to low 90s in Florida COL wise??? Hopefully others will post.

Which is definitely livable. I'm going to counter and see.