How bad do I want it?

Specialties NP

Published

Hello fellow NP's.

First of all, I would like to say thank you for reading this. I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with roughly over 1 year of NP experience in a family practice setting with a private practice. I recently was laid off suddenly due to office downsizing. I was working urgent care on the side as well for the last year (would work PRN like 2 shifts a month), yes I am a workaholic.

I love working, keeping busy.

Some background facts:

I live in a tiny town w/the next big city is 2 hrs away

NP saturation –there is a NP school about 30 miles from where I live which causes jobs to get saturated faster

The current urgent care I work for is a privately owned clinic that is disorganized (we never have enough supplies, etc.), not sure if it will stay open.

Currently average about 6 shifts a month -12 hours long- $75/hr. no benefits, no guarantee of shifts the next month.

Boredom at home kills me

Financially I am ok. My husband is a electrical engineer and I can stay home if I really wanted.

I now have been job hunting for 4 months, and have realized the impact of this NP saturation at this time. I have been wanting to work for a company instead of a private doctor, because of the benefits (specifically 401 k)

I want to continue working with adult population and I love managing chronic illnesses. MY question is....

I have a pending job interview at a local family practice clinic but the drive is 45 minutes each way. Not sure of all the details of the pay but I am hoping 100,000 and 401 K after the first year/PTO is about 2-3 weeks a year. This is a 8-5 position. More like 7-6 for me d/t the drive (ASSUMING I get out on time )

OR

continue in a urgent care company that just started up about 2 years ago and does not seem stable- meaning they seem they could shut down anytime. And I don’t get enough shifts.

If continued urgent care I wouold start working part time job on TOP of urgent care- no benefits

Currently, I am on my husbands insurance but do not have 401 k, PTO etc.

It’s basically a risk to live the lifestyle of more flexibility ( urgent care) or simply get a 8-5. Which are your thoughts?

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What state do you live in? $100K doesn't go far after taxes, trust me, and I asked for more...

How I see it, you don't really have options as you have a possible "interview " not a job offer.

If you're in a position to move, move! Otherwise you'll have to commute for something better. Best of luck!

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Without revealing exactly where you are, do you mind saying which state you are in? Despite what you describe as YOUR personal experience with finding a job, someone will soon show up and say that there are plenty of high paying jobs and that you just need to look harder. Count on this.

If pulling up roots and moving your family to where you may find a fairly decent NP opportunity isn't an issue, then fine. The way things are now with the job market you may have no choice but to move if you want to find work as an NP. But always remember, that when it comes to pay you should ask for more than what you are actually willing to accept. Many times, they will lowball and expect you to accept it due to the way the job market is in some areas. Also keep in mind that $100,000 is not a lot of money for an NP. Ask for more. Also weigh the pros and cons of moving. Its not always what it looks like. More pay is often a wash if the place that you're moving to has a significantly higher COL.

This job that you are interviewing for, do they pay for your malpractice? You didn't say. I would also ask for that. If they don't provide this then you will have to provide funding for it yourself. No benefits, no malpractice, and low pay is the offer de jour lately.

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^^ be mindful though that even if they pay for your malpractice, you should ALWAYS pay for your own insurance. The business at the end of the day is looking after their own interest. Certain loopholes and business decision may find you somewhat at fault and responsible, being left to pay for some sort of damages. When you pay for your own, you are looking after your own interest.

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Hello

Thanks for the replies! I am in Texas.

Yes, this job I will interview for pays for malpractice.

Well new grads get about 85,000, I understand that that may be low balling.

How much should I ask for?

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to FNP and beyond you are absolutely right. Thanks for pointing that out.

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Specializes in Palliative Care.

I'm also in Texas! But, in a large metro area. I would interview for the family practice job and see what gives. If you don't like the stipulations, you can always say no/negotiate, but it doesn't hurt to interview ?

85k is SUPER LOW for new grad salary. In Houston, Dallas, Waco, and many other areas, new grads are starting at around 97k-105k. I would at least ask for 105k since you have one year of experience. A 45 minute commute is pretty standard in metro areas, so I don't see it as a deal-breaker.

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Pallspice

thanks for the reply

I know in larger cities 45 minutes is standard I can understand that ?

The only thing is I have certain opportunities coming my way but the timing isn't always all together obviously

So I cannot assume I am getting a certain job.

So whoever interviews me first I have to consider and take it ? I cannot keep waiting for family practice to call me or a job I've applied to I haven't heard of right?

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