NP salary negotiations

Trauma Columnist · Aug 26, 2008

Yep - starter pay is fine for "starter nurses" - not fine with experienced nurses who are new APNs.

ANPFNPGNP · Aug 27, 2008

I'm currently in an FNP program in Oklahoma, and have been approached by a hospital in my hometown about coming to work for them. I remember reading a long time ago on here about a PA, maybe his name was David...Carpenter (its been sooo long) and he talked about how to negotiate a salary and something about getting a bonus of a % of what you bill...I look for the post and cannot find it. I know they are ready to start negotiating, but I want to go in their with all the knowledge about this bonus thing. Please reply or show me where that posting is!!! Thanks!:pumpiron:

I'm just wondering how a FNP can get a job in a hospital! Is this allowed by the BON in OK?

joyrochelle · Sep 3, 2008

I think it's crap!!!

Joan Z · Sep 3, 2008

Question-- any new grad NP's getting as "starter" or training salary first?
My employer is stating that its the norm--- i disagree.

I agree, this is crap. I never heard of such a thing. Can you find numbers from your area for starting NPs?

nursetim, NP · Jul 17, 2009

I just had a disappointing experience.

I go down to TX for an interview. I land in a neighboring state and drove 2 hour to the site. I follow a doctor around for a few hours and I am then dismissed and left to my own devises. The owner of the practice was not very friendly, but I'm there for a job not a friend. I felt that it did not go well.

I get an email with an attachment with a letter of intent.

They offered:

60k

relo reimbursement of 2k (1500+ miles move)

10 days a year + 8.5 holidays

Healthcare stipend 3.5k

cme $1200 no paid days

malpractice

3 year contract

I asked if there was room for negotiations, I was told maybe.

I then wrote up my dream contract thinking there would be give and take.

Instead I get "we could not possibly give you what you want" have a nice life and good luck with your perfect job.:angryfire:confused:

I'm a nice guy, don't say boo to a mouse. I am competent in my chosen profession. WHAT HAPPENED? I have an interview next week in NM. Maybe that's the way to clear the decks for the next interview. I just do not want to blow another one.

NurseKeiKei · Jul 17, 2009

David,

I so admire the thorough assistance that you have been willing to provide to folks that are branching out in their career. I am just a nursing student but my ultimate goal is to become a NP. I sure hope that when the time comes, you are still around so that I can pick your brain for all these fascinating details that you have stowed away. Just in case, I'm gonna print this stuff out and save it in my "yellow brick road" file.

MissDoodaw · Jul 17, 2009

nursetim:

Can I ask what city your interview was in?

I live in San Antonio, so I am curious.

Thanks!

nursetim, NP · Jul 17, 2009

Longview.

Sheri FNP-C · Jul 17, 2009

I just had a disappointing experience.
I go down to TX for an interview. I land in a neighboring state and drove 2 hour to the site. I follow a doctor around for a few hours and I am then dismissed and left to my own devises. The owner of the practice was not very friendly, but I'm there for a job not a friend. I felt that it did not go well.
I get an email with an attachment with a letter of intent.
They offered:
60k
relo reimbursement of 2k (1500+ miles move)
10 days a year + 8.5 holidays
Healthcare stipend 3.5k
cme $1200 no paid days
malpractice
3 year contract
I asked if there was room for negotiations, I was told maybe.
I then wrote up my dream contract thinking there would be give and take.
Instead I get "we could not possibly give you what you want" have a nice life and good luck with your perfect job.:angryfire:confused:
I'm a nice guy, don't say boo to a mouse. I am competent in my chosen profession. WHAT HAPPENED? I have an interview next week in NM. Maybe that's the way to clear the decks for the next interview. I just do not want to blow another one.

NurseTim....

That offer sounds insulting!!! My only word of advice (though I am far from an expert) would be to make a counter-offer that you would be happy with and think they might actually take. I can see how a dream contract could intimidate a prospective employer.

Location can mean a huge salary difference. A classmate of mine that lives about 2-3 hours away accepted a position making $20k more than me! According to the websites I checked, we are both being paid an average amount for our areas. If you have the option to relocate, I would suggest you look into the higher paying areas.

When I start in September, as a new grad, I have 4 weeks vacation (compromised from 3 weeks vaca and 3 days CME to 4wks vaca and no CME time), 8 paid holidays, paid family medical and malpractice ins, paid DEA and certification fees, $1500 CME, no non-compete agreement and only a 1 year term. I would really hesitate to sign a 3 year contract until I get some experience. Plus, I expect to learn and grow a lot in the first year which will hopefully make me more valuable and worth more $$$ in the next contract.

Anyway, good luck to you at your next interview.

allnurses Guide · Jul 18, 2009

Nursetim,

That doesn't sound like a great offer to me....and as Sheri said, there's no way I'd sign a contract for 3 years as a new NP. I'm kind of surprised they'd ask a new grad to do that. Have you checked out the Pearson report to see what average salaries are for NPs in the states you're interviewing in? Then you'd have an idea of what a reasonable offer might be. I think as far as salary negotiations go, we new grads may not feel like we're in a position to ask for anything more than what we're being offered, but we shouldn't sell ourselves short. There's usually room for some give and take. You might be able to ask for a little more money if you're willing to take less time off. I was able to negotiate a higher salary at one place I interviewed at because i wasn't going to take medical insurance through the practice, which is a substantial cost savings for them ( but I didn't end up taking that job!).

I hope your next interview goes well.....let us know!

nursetim, NP · Jul 18, 2009

Here is what I countered with. Please note as you read what I wanted, I neverexpected to get it. It was solely for negotiation purposes.

Contract for one year.

Salary Compensation:

You will receive as payment for services rendered a base salary of $95,000 (ninety-five Thousand Dollars) per annum for the first year of employment. Bonuses waived the first year, salary applied to 50 hour work week. All hours work thereafter compensated at a rate of $65/hour.

Reimbursement Relocation:

Nurse Practitioner Employee shall receive up to $10,000 for relocation benefit, to be arranged and paid by employer directly to moving company.

Vacation/Personal/Holiday Time:

30 days paid time off

10 days of the 30 days available after 90 day probationary period

3 sick or personal days, after 90 day probationary period

8.5 Practice recognized holidays

3 consecutive bereavement days for immediate family in accordance with Practice Employee Manual

Professional Meeting/Continuing Education Units:

$7000 annual allowance and 2 weeks paid to attend professional meetings

Malpractice/Professional Liability:

Will be paid by the Practice

Health, Dental and Life Insurance Stipend

Nurse Practitioner Employee shall receive full health insurance to include spouse, dental waived, vision waived. Short and long term disability provided by employer to employee.

nursetim, NP · Jul 18, 2009

Here was the actual offer.

Salary Compensation:

You will receive as payment for services rendered a base salary of $60,000 (Sixty Thousand Dollars) per annum for the first three years of employment.

Reimbursement Relocation:

Nurse Practitioner Employee shall be reimbursed up to $2,000 for relocation, upon submission of valid receipts.

Vacation/Personal/Holiday Time:

10 days after 90 day probationary period

12 days after 3 years of employment

3 sick or personal days, after 90 day probationary period

8.5 Practice recognized holidays

3 consecutive bereavement days for immediate family in accordance with Practice Employee Manual

Professional Meeting/Continuing Education Units:

$1200 annual allowance

Malpractice/Professional Liability:

Will be paid by the Practice

Health, Dental and Life Insurance Stipend

Nurse Practitioner Employee shall receive a healthcare stipend of $3500 annually. Employee will apply stipend toward healthcare, dental and life insurance of their choice.

This offer is contingent upon the formal review and approval of Employment application and satisfactory background report, for which you agree to provide all necessary documentation and information in a timely manner.

Respectfully,