I was offered a full time job at an IM clinic. I asked for $48 per hour compensation with full benefits because i thought this was reasonable for a new grad in southern CA. The average is $44-46/hr.
On my second day of orientation, my boss told me that she is going to switch my pay to salary. She said she will offer me 75k per year. I was really shocked!
I told her that at the hospital, although without benefits, I get paid $52 per hour. Then she said that i shouldn't expect that much because being a nurse is different from being an NP. She also has to train me and that will take time. Then i countered and said i am willing to meet her at $88k. Then she said she can only offer up to $80k. Then i said i also have to make ends meet at home so I will think about it over the weekend.
Then she said she will call me back this weekend for a final offer.
Any suggestion or tips on how to handle this negotiation when she calls me back? Should i walk away from a low ball offer? Or is it worth it to get that experience for a year then go? This negotiating acitvity is exhausting! ;-)
I want to get an offer of at least 86-88k. I am better off working at the weight loss clinic at $60/hr
Congrats on making a final decision. So I guess this is for anyone else who stumbles into this thread. I am not an NP yet but I have become an expert on getting paid. My husband jokes that I am the check whisperer. Any half decent recruiter/manager can smell a desperate applicant from the first phone call. I know because when I worked in staff development I could tell how much a potential employee would "settle for" in about three minutes. Everything from the expression on your face, body language, and adjectives used says "pay me what I'm asking" or "make me an offer". I know that its hard when you NEED a job like yesterday but it sucks to "settle" and then find out you are the lowest paid person in the group. Moreover, I have found that the employers who were required to pay over their initial offer valued me the most. It's a very basic principle. People value what they pay for. For reference I made just over 80k as an LPN in 2008 in PA (64 hours/week). Ask for what you want, all they can say is no.
Thank you, Conqueror! Honestly, i feel a little ashamed that i negotiated for my salary, lol. My friend, who is also a new grad NP, applied for the same job (my boss needs 4 NPs). She embraced a $75k offer with open arms because she said she is slow and a new grad. I tried to educate her... But i could only tell her so much. She has to do what makes her happy.
I really hope they value me more now (instead of thinking i'm a difficult employee) because of my negotiations. I feel like i really have to prove myself because of the new offer... Which is a good thing, i think. Thanks again for your information!
Congrats on making a final decision. So I guess this is for anyone else who stumbles into this thread. I am not an NP yet but I have become an expert on getting paid. My husband jokes that I am the check whisperer. Any half decent recruiter/manager can smell a desperate applicant from the first phone call. I know because when I worked in staff development I could tell how much a potential employee would "settle for" in about three minutes. Everything from the expression on your face, body language, and adjectives used says "pay me what I'm asking" or "make me an offer". I know that its hard when you NEED a job like yesterday but it sucks to "settle" and then find out you are the lowest paid person in the group. Moreover, I have found that the employers who were required to pay over their initial offer valued me the most. It's a very basic principle. People value what they pay for. For reference I made just over 80k as an LPN in 2008 in PA (64 hours/week). Ask for what you want, all they can say is no.
Love this! Thank you for posting your experience from the other side also. I believe employers who think you are a chump will not respect or value your contribution and to me that sets a bad precedent from the start. It drives me crazy that women allow themselves to feel inferior, as if they aren't worthy of a professional wage.
I like to put it out there before we even spend too much time. I know how much they pay physicians and there is no way I'm not getting as close to their rate as possible for providing the same service. My favorite line very simply is "I will require $XYZ" when it comes to salary discussion. I would guess if a NP has been working for an inferior wage trying to upsell when they change jobs will be difficult also. Using my present contracts has been very valuable in justifying my wage. No arguing, no hemming and hawing, just the underlying message that if you would like my fine services this is what it will cost you. I'm low key about it and just put the ball in their court.
Love this! Thank you for posting your experience from the other side also. I believe employers who think you are a chump will not respect or value your contribution and to me that sets a bad precedent from the start. It drives me crazy that women allow themselves to feel inferior, as if they aren't worthy of a professional wage.
I like to put it out there before we even spend too much time. I know how much they pay physicians and there is no way I'm not getting as close to their rate as possible for providing the same service. My favorite line very simply is "I will require $XYZ" when it comes to salary discussion. I would guess if a NP has been working for an inferior wage trying to upsell when they change jobs will be difficult also. Using my present contracts has been very valuable in justifying my wage. No arguing, no hemming and hawing, just the underlying message that if you would like my fine services this is what it will cost you. I'm low key about it and just put the ball in their court.
Thank you so much for this thread. My hubby as a new grad MSW negotiated his wage and I cringed thinking he shouldn't rock the boat, but nothing bad happened. In fact he got more than they originally offered.
i just lost an entire paragraph, dag nabit!
basically: I still have a verbal (I know, I know) offer, the soon-to-be employer called the clinic "Your clinic" and told me it will be posted soon. I soft negotiated in the preliminary conversation and I"m up from low 80s to at least 90. Chance to grow, get bonuses. At the end of a year negotiate up. You all are giving me the courage to be able to actually act like a business woman! (It's a bit intimidating!)
I'm so excited, y'all, and I'm not even there yet!
Great job, WK! It feels great when you have a job offer waiting after graduation. But remember that things could change... Especially if there is no contract. However, sounds like your future employer is serious about hiring you that you already talked about salary compensation. I love the business side of being an NP too ;-)
Thank you so much for this thread. My hubby as a new grad MSW negotiated his wage and I cringed thinking he shouldn't rock the boat, but nothing bad happened. In fact he got more than they originally offered.
i just lost an entire paragraph, dag nabit!
basically: I still have a verbal (I know, I know) offer, the soon-to-be employer called the clinic "Your clinic" and told me it will be posted soon. I soft negotiated in the preliminary conversation and I"m up from low 80s to at least 90. Chance to grow, get bonuses. At the end of a year negotiate up. You all are giving me the courage to be able to actually act like a business woman! (It's a bit intimidating!)
I'm so excited, y'all, and I'm not even there yet!
I've done this. Its a baiting technique. What I really meant was "the job is yours if you take what I'm offering you". Congrats on negotiating for yourself.
I don't know what the cost of living is where you are, but $48-$60/hr is twice what I make an hour, and I've been a nurse for 23 years. Either take the lower per hour job or don't. Like someone else said, you are in orientation so no harm, no foul. Good luck with the job hunt.
Isnt their tactic called bait and switch? They are unethical. Go somewhere else. The need for your skill set is great and there are employers out there that will appreciate, value and pay you what your education and abilities are worth. Especially in your geographic area. Let the IM clinic, keep on lookin for your replacement.
right! your a NEW green grad, a rookie? You present no background history. You have no experience. And you wonder why negotiating is tough. Earn your stripes
right! your a NEW green grad, a rookie? You present no background history. You have no experience. And you wonder why negotiating is tough. Earn your stripes
I disagree. You can't accept whatever is offered, this is different than being a new grad RN. Negotiate, negotiate until you both are happy..
I had to reply to this thread immediately when it was sent to my phone. I have to say you are all spoiled. I work for two high caliber hospitals in Los Angeles and only make $32 per hour. I work hard hours to bring home what I believe a nurse should make (80 hr wks to earn 115K)... Non stop work... 12 hr shifts... That's killer... And i have 3 years experience in ICU & ED with adults and kids. I can tell you this with my eyes closed... Take the deal. It is unheard of for new grads to make 60 per hour... Consider yourself extremely lucky.
I had to reply to this thread immediately when it was sent to my phone. I have to say you are all spoiled. I work for two high caliber hospitals in Los Angeles and only make $32 per hour. I work hard hours to bring home what I believe a nurse should make (80 hr wks to earn 115K)... Non stop work... 12 hr shifts... That's killer... And i have 3 years experience in ICU & ED with adults and kids. I can tell you this with my eyes closed... Take the deal. It is unheard of for new grads to make 60 per hour... Consider yourself extremely lucky.
Is OP suppose to feel badly that you 'only' make a certain amount and work 80 hours a week?
I never quite understand why some posters wouldn't promote the best for their peers...
By the way $60/hr is not unheard of for a new grad in certain specialities. She should most definitely try!
CocoaLoverFNP
238 Posts
Thank you, Conqueror! Honestly, i feel a little ashamed that i negotiated for my salary, lol. My friend, who is also a new grad NP, applied for the same job (my boss needs 4 NPs). She embraced a $75k offer with open arms because she said she is slow and a new grad. I tried to educate her... But i could only tell her so much. She has to do what makes her happy.
I really hope they value me more now (instead of thinking i'm a difficult employee) because of my negotiations. I feel like i really have to prove myself because of the new offer... Which is a good thing, i think. Thanks again for your information!