New grad PMHNP benefits and salary advice

[PMHNPinWV]

So I recently graduated PMHNP school and passed boards. I meet next week with my current employer (FQHC) to discuss position, salary, etc. I have been with this company for 5 years in their ACT program at 25 an hour plus on call, travel. The HR director told me that they recently hired a new grad FNP at 46 dollars an hour so I don't know what pay rate I should settle for if offered. For consideration, this employer has less than optimal benefits, no 401k, and do not give pay raises. New RNs in the CSU are starting at 30 an hour so I feel asking for a bit more than 46 an hour is within bounds. Also, this is a low cost of living area in West Virginia. Anyone have pointers for salary and benefit negotiations? Thanks in advance.

[dianah, ASN]

Moved to NP forum.

[umbdude, MSN, APRN]

PMHNPStudentinWV. said:

So I recently graduated PMHNP school and passed boards. I meet next week with my current employer (FQHC) to discuss position, salary, etc. I have been with this company for 5 years in their ACT program at 25 an hour plus on call, travel. The HR director told me that they recently hired a new grad FNP at 46 dollars an hour so I don't know what pay rate I should settle for if offered. For consideration, this employer has less than optimal benefits, no 401k, and do not give pay raises. New RNs in the CSU are starting at 30 an hour so I feel asking for a bit more than 46 an hour is within bounds. Also, this is a low cost of living area in West Virginia. Anyone have pointers for salary and benefit negotiations? Thanks in advance.

This job sounds pretty terrible (seriously, no pay raise?). Are there a lot of PMHNP jobs in your area? Are you able and willing to move? The southern region has the lowest pay, fewest opportunities, and most restrictive statues for PMHNPs.

PMHNPs are paid more than FNPs (usually a lot more), so your pay should not be based on a new-grad FNP's pay. My suggestion is to interview as many places as possible to get an idea of what people will pay and have several offers in hand to negotiate. Talk with your professors and other local PMHNPs to see what's an appropriate salary.

[PMHNPinWV]

No there are hardly any psych nurse practitioners in my area. It is very rural and the need for a pmhnp is high where I work. I juat feel 46 an hour is a bit too low, especially with the new FNP they hired from the outside starting at 46. What would be reasonable I.n your opinion? I figure the benefits are pretty non-negotiable but at least I can try with the salary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MentalKlarity, BSN, NP]

Honestly $100/hr at least for PMHNP

[deza, MSN, NP]

That's really low. I made 50-56hr working nights as an RN on a psych unit. And that was a fulltime W2 job employed by the hospital in Texas. That hospital payed higher than most. As a PMHNP I make 62/hour W2 in Texas. I would get multiple state licenses and consider moving for more pay.