NP competing with a Pa

Trauma Columnist · May 19, 2017

I work in a practice that has PAs, NPs, CNSs - we all do the same job. I'm the supervisor so I know how much everyone makes and its equitable considering experience, education, etc..

We all get along very well and have no issues - where are you getting these feelings? From the PAs, management, other providers?

Jules A, MSN · May 19, 2017

Its excellent that you are all working well together, thats most important. I feel we are equals in most hospital settings although as you indicated we can practice independently but that doesn't usually matter to physicians or hospital admins.

The glaring issue here is unfortunately that you accepted a rate lower than the PA rate and there is your answer the powers that be at least do feel the PAs are more valuable.

Tough situation especially because you sound like you enjoy your job. I always go in with what I know is a top rate and haven't encountered this before so I'm speculating but this would probably be a burr under my saddle that I wouldn't be able to shake. But then again compensation is my main driving force. Best of luck to you.

brista · May 19, 2017

As a student I was at a practice with a few NPs and one PA. I happened to know PA was paid higher than the NPs because he disclosed his salary. He shrugged his shoulders and said, well, its because I'm a PA and they are NPs, and its just a fact that PAs are paid more. He also made subtle comments regarding how different NP and PA training is but did this in a way to emphasis his perceived benefits to PA training versus NP. I found this frustrating, and in the end, it only seemed to reveal his own insecurities. The bottom line is that he simply negotiated more. I knew and appreciated the NPs and they were excellent at their job, but they were not the types to negotiate . If you are paid less than a PA for the same job at the same practice, it is only because you did not negotiate. I would not stay at a practice where I was paid less for the same job unless the difference reflected only a difference in years of experience. For those who are seasoned negotiators, what would you do?

ElizNP · May 19, 2017

Thanks so much for your comments and perspectives. I actually did negotiate and make significantly more than the typical new grad in my area (even more than some seasoned NPs), but I still make less than the average new grad PA (there's as much as a $12,000 starting difference between new grad NPs and new grad PAs). Salary doesn't upset me as much as feeling unequal to my colleagues. I'm mainly getting these feelings from the PAs themselves, my collaborating physicians don't seem to really care and treat us all the same, but I spend more time with my PA colleagues...

caliotter3 · May 19, 2017

You enjoy your job. Everyone gets along. I can't think of an example of that combination. I would continue to enjoy the positive aspects and concentrate on what you can do to rectify the pay issue. Sell a pay raise and you might feel better. But otherwise be thankful for the lack of coworker drama.