How many of us have contracts for our jobs???

Joan Z · Oct 25, 2008

I have a contract which required a bit of negotiation but it is good for me and for my employer. Part of our training included a session on negotiating. It was helpful as I would have otherwise undervalued my services.

jer_sd · Oct 26, 2008

No contract, no job description just get the work done.

I wish i had both it would make the job easier. On the plus side no non compete agreement either.

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Oct 26, 2008

i had one prospective employer throw down a 20 page contract before i even interviewed with the practice. talk about a turn off!

carachel2 · Oct 26, 2008

Maybe as a student I don't live in the real world but O.M.G. ya'll........no contract? We just took a 3 month intensive course on how to negotiate your contract, figure your salary, overhead, insurance, negotiate bonuses, call, your name on the door, your seat in the practice meetings, etc. Is that missing from a lot of programs or did the offer just seem to be so bullet proof you felt you didn't need one?

I'm not trying to be sarcastic at all, I just want to know if there are jobs out there where they don't negotiate via contract at all?

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Oct 26, 2008

Maybe as a student I don't live in the real world but O.M.G. ya'll........no contract? We just took a 3 month intensive course on how to negotiate your contract, figure your salary, overhead, insurance, negotiate bonuses, call, your name on the door, your seat in the practice meetings, etc. Is that missing from a lot of programs or did the offer just seem to be so bullet proof you felt you didn't need one?
I'm not trying to be sarcastic at all, I just want to know if there are jobs out there where they don't negotiate via contract at all?

we didn't have a three month course on that - but we did have a semester class that covered all that stuff. however, we didn't talk about "name on the door". what's that? don't they just do that automatically?

i think a contract is usually beneficial both ways - for instance, guarenteeing you a CME allowance with travel and PTO - and other things too. but i have heard of some doozeys that are just out of this world.

emtneel · Oct 26, 2008

i didn't have a contract at a large hosp. i worked at. Just one page with my benefits on it and salary.

The only contract i had was to pay back the moving allowance.

i kind of think its better without a contract... at will, free will..

i dunno, i've signed a gov. contract that i had to fulfill for 2 years, a loan repayment NELRP.. and its nicer having the freedom of not being owned..

Trauma Columnist · Oct 26, 2008

At my full time job, I did negotiate $20k more than the initial offer. I also can negoitiate my hours. As to CME $, PTO, etc...the benefits - there have been no problems at all.

I was questioning this 6 page contract for a prn, 10 hours/week position. No noncompete clause at all. My hourly wage isnt' negotiable and I'm fine with that. Since its prn, there are no benefits and again, I'm ok with that.

Thanks for all the info...nope my CNS program had nada info about negotiating contracts, etc...

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Oct 27, 2008

As hospital employees, we did not sign contractual agreements either. Pay scales for NP's are predetermined based on clinical experience as a nurse practitioner and practice setting (ICU pays the highest). Benefits are similar for all non-physician providers across the board (applies to NP, CNM, and PA, don't know about CRNA as they are not part of the Mid-Level Council). Hospital-sponsored health and dental insurance and pension plans are provided. malpractice insurance, CME allowance, hospital-paid Blackberry phone with internet access, lab coats, business cards - those are all part of the deal. Finally, no no-compete clause either.

lalaxton · Oct 27, 2008

I am also in a hospital setting and did not sign a contract as an employee, however I did negotiate my own salary and benefits to my advantage. Since then the union here grieved my position and won. The top of the union salary scale is lower than my present salary, and I would lose benefits if I were a member of the union. Thankfully the hospital lawyer was able to negotiate that I would have the choice to join or not. Of course, I chose not to. Then the union rep was surprised that I chose to stay out! Seems obvious to me.....

psychonaut · Oct 27, 2008

Maybe as a student I don't live in the real world but O.M.G. ya'll........no contract? We just took a 3 month intensive course on how to negotiate your contract, figure your salary, overhead, insurance, negotiate bonuses, call, your name on the door, your seat in the practice meetings, etc. Is that missing from a lot of programs or did the offer just seem to be so bullet proof you felt you didn't need one?
I'm not trying to be sarcastic at all, I just want to know if there are jobs out there where they don't negotiate via contract at all?

Student perspective here as well, and I certainly hope we are offered a course such as you describe. If the school doesn't offer it, I will be seeking out seminars on this very subject.

I've been an "employee" my entire adult life. I realize that I am completely ignorant of the ins-and-outs of negotiating as an independent professional, and I think it will be a very important part of entering my new profession.

jeepgirl, LPN, NP · Oct 27, 2008

i think the thought is that if you are hospital based, you're not going to potientally take patients with you if you leave from the practice.