Palliative Care NP?

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Specializes in CT ICU, OR, Orthopedic.

Hello, I have just been offered a position as a palliative care NP. Problem is, they are asking me to give them a number about what I expect to make. I don't have a clue! I am seeing between 90 and 107K in Michigan. That seems high to me. I don't want to go in and ask for something really high, and have them laugh at me. Any input would be appreciated.

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I earn in that range in a practice in the SE. However, I started about $10K less than what I earn now 2.5 years ago. I have also now assumed on call responsibilities that I did not have before which accounts for some of the increase in salary.

I tried to PM you but your inbox was full. I would be happy to share specifics although I expect that regional variances would be significant.

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Specializes in CT ICU, OR, Orthopedic.

I cleared my inbox. I didn't realize that read messages still clogged the inbox. I am currently making MUCH less than that, and I am on call every other weekend. I'm sure there are variances. I wasn't sure how much to ask for, so I aimed high, and expect them to counter offer. They are supposed to let me know this week. Fingers crossed!

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PM sent. What type of organization is this (ie. hospital, hospice, etc) as this can affect the reimbursement model? I have been told many times that a palliative care program is essentially a money loss for an organization. However there are several different models for reimbursement that can be cost effective. Billing for your visits will not likely cover your salary unless your program is particularly busy. However a hospital will count on your services benefiting them in other ways (reduced mortality statistics, reduced length of stay, reduced readmissions, etc). On the other hand, a hospice organization can benefit from hospice referrals which can cover the salary and then some.

It has been quoted to me several times that Hospice/palliative care is one of the lower paying medical specialties. However, my salary is relatively competitive to my peers working in other specialties, so I think this must vary.

I wish you the best of luck. Keep us posted on the job.

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Specializes in CT ICU, OR, Orthopedic.

It is a model in which I go into nursing facilities and work as a consultant. You are right, it isn't a money maker. They hope to feed into hospice. Problem is that the program is failing. And they don't seem to care. My wages are very competitive as well. But now they want me to work as an RN (At my NP wage), and I'm not sure if that affects reimbursement etc. Or if it is putting me at risk for malpractice?

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