For anyone who remembers my previous post regarding negotiating my salary, here's an update:
I settled for a low salary (lower than my RN rate) to get that NP experience and with the hope that i will get a huge pay increase after my 90-day probation. The doctor that hired me promised me a pay increase after she's seen me seeing more than 15 patients a day. She justified my low salary by saying i'm a new grad.
After merely 6 weeks, i was up to speed. I have seen 15 to 20 patients a day. Although I had to study at home to make sure i provide the best care to my patients, I didn't mind. Long story short, I re-negotiated with the doctor. She could only increase it to 5k. Well, the total amount is still lower than my RN pay.
On top of everything else, i was miserable. I didn't have 30-minute lunch breaks daily that i so deserve. I also didn't have remote access to our EHR which forced me stay in the office until 9pm. However, i am still prohibited to have keys to the office. Therefore, I am not able to finish my charting. I felt so unsafe, felt like there will be a lawsuit coming and i won't be able to defend myself because my charting is incomplete and locked by the doctor. There are also other billing issues in her practice that I didn't agree with. Also, I was forced to sign medical clearances for psych issues. I was very unhappy.
Even though i knew that leaving the practice would ruin my resume, reputation, and burn bridges, i looked for another job. Life is too short to be miserable. I can't stay just because i have to maintain the beauty of my resume.
In summary: I found a new job. It's been 3 weeks and I am very happy. Great pay, great incentive bonuses, $5k CME, more vacation time, more education PTO. Plus, i get my own desk, 2 laptops, 2 exam rooms, and my exclusive MA. FYI: I didn't even have to negotiate. The CMO accepted the pay rate I wanted.
Life is good!!! I hope this becomes a lesson to any NP who is new to the business.
Don't settle for anything less than what you deserve. Don't believe anyone who would tell you that you deserve a lower pay because you're a new grad. You are an advanced practice nurse with an advanced education. You are crucial to any practice and deserve a great pay.
