when is it ok to bring up....

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  • salary?:facepalm: I have phone interview for a promising opportunity, even though it wont be available right away. I dont feel comfortable asking about salary range at this point...am I right to think that way? My husband thinks I wouldnt be wrong for asking so i can determine if its something I want to wait around for(i still have to wait for my license anyways). Any helpful opinions or advice?

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Specializes in Adult health, Primary care, WH..

I never brought it up during the phone or face to face interview. Eventually, the interviewer or doctor will tell you the salary. Most of my phone interviews asked me what salary I'm looking for and I replyed with whatever the starting salary is for a new NP. Then they told me the salary. I'm looking too.

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It's the first thing I ask. IF the salary isn't right, there is no use in even wasting my time going to the interview. In these current financial times, at least for me, salary is what it is all about.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, OR, FNP.

Yep - if the pay isn't right - why waste everyone's time? I'm too old to care about anything else. Work is work...and my time and skills generate RVUs.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Agree with you, CRF250xpert. Need to face it that I work for the paycheck. Lol

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I have a hard time imagining not bringing up the pay. After all, that is the very reason you are looking into the job in the first place. why beat around the bush? You are working to make a living. You make a living by earning money. You have to know how much it pays.

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Anyone know how much the VA pays NP's? Is it comparable to the private sector? I know they have great benefits but don't feel like wasting my time with the application process for 40k less than what Im used.

  • salary?:facepalm: I have phone interview for a promising opportunity, even though it wont be available right away. I dont feel comfortable asking about salary range at this point...am I right to think that way? My husband thinks I wouldnt be wrong for asking so i can determine if its something I want to wait around for(i still have to wait for my license anyways). Any helpful opinions or advice?

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.
Anyone know how much the VA pays NP's? Is it comparable to the private sector? I know they have great benefits but don't feel like wasting my time with the application process for 40k less than what Im used.

The pay range is included in their job listings. Just from people I know who transferred to the VA to work as NP's, the salary is lower than the private sector (or even state/county employee standards). However, they have a complex system of determining salary which factors in level of education, national certifications, experience, and standard of living. You have to be smart to make sure to highlight and include each and every credential, training, etc to increase your salary.

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Any actual numbers that you know of? What is the difference in pay from private/no-VA to VA pay? I know they have an insanely tiered system and reailze i will get offered less. I just want an idea of how much less. Like how much are the Np's that you know actually get paid and what would they get paid outside of VA doing the same work? I want to have an actual numerical comparison for someone who is currently working as NP in the VA system.

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

I don't know anything about the VA, but in general, I strongly disagree about asking about salary. In professional negotiations, pay/benefits is never discussed in early interviews. Ever. Unless, and only, if the potential employer were to bring it up. Under no circumstances is it acceptable for you to ask at the screening interview. If they ask you, you should be very vague. "Negotiable." If they mention a scale "from 5 to 10 rupies a year, " you say "I look forward to hearing more about that." It is not time for formal negotiations.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.
Any actual numbers that you know of? What is the difference in pay from private/no-VA to VA pay? I know they have an insanely tiered system and reailze i will get offered less. I just want an idea of how much less. Like how much are the Np's that you know actually get paid and what would they get paid outside of VA doing the same work? I want to have an actual numerical comparison for someone who is currently working as NP in the VA system.

Again, the metro area factors in on the pay as well. These are figures from actual NP job postings for the same kind of role in the San Francisco/Bay Area:

VA Job Posting: $81,590.00 - $139,136.00/Per Year

My Facility's Job Posting (State-run Medical Center): $120,252 - 155,964/Per Year

Private Sector - don't have figures right now, sorry.

Edit: I did try to find out the salary for a posting at a large medical center in the area (nationally renowned private university with an equally respected large medical center and medical school). Unfortunately their job posting did not show salary, only said it is competitive.

I found a County Health Department NP Opening (they pay ridiculously high around here): $129,324 - 183,092/Per Year

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Juan... what city, state are you in? I've never seen salaries that high around this part of Atlanta! Is the cost of living really high where you are?

As for the topic... my experience is that the employer asks me what my salary expectation is. I typically give them a high range and tell them that it's negotiable. I don't want to be lowballed. My first job out of NP school the employer mentioned salary after the interviews when they gave me the offer. That was the first time it was mentioned.

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