Negotiating my salary is exhausting!

Specialties NP

Published

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 :(

Thank you!

Specializes in Psych.

As part of my coursework in the last semester, we had to calculate what we would ask for in salary... it was average income (based on codes or RVUs) - overhead, - doctor's fee for 'supervision & training', - benefits = salary. I calculated 110-130; I was offered and accepted 115k, with full benefits.

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
As part of my coursework in the last semester, we had to calculate what we would ask for in salary... it was average income (based on codes or RVUs) - overhead, - doctor's fee for 'supervision & training', - benefits = salary. I calculated 110-130; I was offered and accepted 115k, with full benefits.

What a great class! I'm surprised however because I thought Texas paid well for psychNPs and in my area savvy new grads are starting in the $150,000 range.

I also usually base my salary requirements on what they are paying psychiatrists. My thought is even if they feel they are over paying me as a NP a psychiatrist would cost them a lot more.

Specializes in Author/Business Coach.
As part of my coursework in the last semester, we had to calculate what we would ask for in salary... it was average income (based on codes or RVUs) - overhead, - doctor's fee for 'supervision & training', - benefits = salary. I calculated 110-130; I was offered and accepted 115k, with full benefits.
I think it's great your school taught you this, mine sure didn't. A class on billing, coding, and salary should be required in all NP schools. So many of us come out of school clueless on what our true value is to an employer and get screwed on salary because of it.
As part of my coursework in the last semester, we had to calculate what we would ask for in salary... it was average income (based on codes or RVUs) - overhead, - doctor's fee for 'supervision & training', - benefits = salary. I calculated 110-130; I was offered and accepted 115k, with full benefits.

We did something similar as well. We had to do a few case studies that revolved around what level the patient would be billed at, create a portfolio for job applications, and create a business plan for how we would market ourselves when looking for a job.

We also had a class that discussed health care policy and economics. I probably didn't pay as much attention to these things as I should but they were definitely presented and discussed.

All part of that "fluff" DNP coursework everyone seems to complain about not being clinically focused or relevant.

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
We did something similar as well. We had to do a few case studies that revolved around what level the patient would be billed at, create a portfolio for job applications, and create a business plan for how we would market ourselves when looking for a job.

We also had a class that discussed health care policy and economics. I probably didn't pay as much attention to these things as I should but they were definitely presented and discussed.

All part of that "fluff" DNP coursework everyone seems to complain about not being clinically focused or relevant.

Lol we had plenty of extra time during the fluff courses we had in my MS program also to have covered some basic business acumen. The case study exercise they had you do sounds excellent.

Specializes in CTICU.

Agree that before you take the job is the only opportunity to negotiate - if you accept less than you are worth, you can't really make it up later. I would also work as an NP while waiting on a reasonable NP salary offer. I do not subscribe to the theory that you are "paying dues" as a new grad and should make less than an experienced RN. You have a different, expensive skillset and knowledge as an NP and you are BILLING and bringing in income so there's no way you should earn less than a nurse who costs the institution rather than making them money.

To the poster that is 16 weeks pregnant - why does that preclude working as an RN while waiting on a decent NP offer?

Specializes in ER.
Agree that before you take the job is the only opportunity to negotiate - if you accept less than you are worth, you can't really make it up later. I would also work as an NP while waiting on a reasonable NP salary offer. I do not subscribe to the theory that you are "paying dues" as a new grad and should make less than an experienced RN. You have a different, expensive skillset and knowledge as an NP and you are BILLING and bringing in income so there's no way you should earn less than a nurse who costs the institution rather than making them money.

To the poster that is 16 weeks pregnant - why does that preclude working as an RN while waiting on a decent NP offer?

Well, my problem is that I'm not already working as an RN because we had to move, and the market for NPs (or any job) is terrible in my area (low population). Also, in my state I can't get licensed, get a DEA number, etc. until I first get a job and have a collaborative physician agreement on file. So, if I went the RN route I would probably remain a "new grad" until I have the baby and start looking for work again. Here's another catch in my situation: since my husband is military we know we are going to be moving again by next summer! So . . . take a low paying NP job to get licensed and build experience since I know I have limited time? Or find an easy (likely lower paying) RN job to bring in income and just start over with my job search after we move next year?

Specializes in Psych.

Flip a coin, heads means RN, Tails means take the NP job for low pay. If what you get gives you a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach, go the other way.

Specializes in as above.

remember the average wage percentage these day is 2%. The fringe benefits is where the action is. Wage increase only puts you into a higher tax bracket. Now read my lips.

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
remember the average wage percentage these day is 2%. The fringe benefits is where the action is. Wage increase only puts you into a higher tax bracket. Now read my lips.

I'm not sure I understand what you mean. The fringe benefits are worth some consideration but I'm all about the salary. I know two NPs with many years of experience working for the VA and while their benefits are excellent, my salary is $50,000 a year higher and my benefits are decent, so imo there are no fringe benefits worth that much of a lower salary.

Specializes in as above.

understood..you are about MONEY! Consider the higher tax bracket as previous email. We used to negotiate Fringe Benefit packages..its tax free. Look at the deductable you MAY need to pay for drugs/vision, etc. You have to think outside your wallet. OR work to rule..

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
understood..you are about MONEY! Consider the higher tax bracket as previous email. We used to negotiate Fringe Benefit packages..its tax free. Look at the deductable you MAY need to pay for drugs/vision, etc. You have to think outside your wallet. OR work to rule..

Uhh ok so I get there is value in benefits and good point about the tax free advantages but I still don't think there is any benefit package so good that it will substitute for an excellent wage.

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