RisaW

I think NP compensation is low because we aren't in control of our own practice. Depending on where we live, state legislation requires that we practice in collaboration with a physician and thus are dependent upon that arrangement for our employment. We are seen as "physician extenders" and "mid-level providers". Why should they pay us more if they don't have to?

This is a great question, andI've really enjoyed reading many of the responses. I've often wondered the same, why do NP salaries seem to plateau? Even with several years' experience, compensation doesn't seem to change much. I think the better question would be "What can we as individuals do to negotiate better salaries for ourselves". It's easy to blame ourselves/other NPs, for accepting lower compensation but demanding better is easier said than done. Particularly for those of us living and working outside of large cities, where employment options are scarce and wages are low. There is the very real fear of being labelled "too demanding" and consequently being passed over for someone cheaper but with similar credentials. We need to know our worth and acknowledge what we bring to the table, but how can we know our worth if everyone else is lowering our market price?

Hi!! I'm applying for class #157, for the Family Nurse Practitioner PMC + DNP. I've been a WHNP for 6 years, and I want to expand my scope of practice and expand my opportunities for teaching and implementing community programs. Keeping my fingers crossed that I get in, Good luck to everyone applying!

Great Advice. I'm a Vandy Direct-Entry grad and really would have appreciated this information 9 years ago, especially the part about networking. Thank you Nurse Beth, good advice.

Did you graduate from University of South Alabama? If so, could you share your experience there?

I'm curious as well. I'm a Women's Health NP, planning to get a post-master's and DNP in Family and am researching various practice settings other than primary care.

It's great to see so many positive comments regarding PP. I've known several NPs who have worked as clinicians at different Planned Parenthood affiliates, and their experiences varied greatly based on their local political climate and the size/strength of that particular affiliate. Locations that are more liberal, that allow for greater independence for the clinician and that are more financially secure will result in a more pleasant experience than if you work at a Planned Parenthood in a conservative state, or a smaller affiliate where you're the only clinician in the health center. One of my former classmates is the only clinician at a PP clinic, and even though she has vacation time available it's always a struggle for her to get away because she has to find someone to cover the clinic for her - they can't close the doors and not see patients. She complains about protesters who take pictures of her license plate, hold offensive signs and yell at her as she enters and leaves the building. She knows what to do in case someone tries to follow her car home, because it is a real risk. On the other hand, I have a colleague who works at a larger center where she is one of several clinicians and has no problems requesting days off. She doesn't have to worry about backlash from protesters. You also don't want to have to worry about being verbally assaulted in the grocery store for wearing a Planned Parenthood t-shirt, or have to worry about whether the state will force the clinic to close based on trumped up charges, or dread the inevitable "so where do you work?" question when meeting new people. Planned Parenthood does great work in providing healthcare for un- (and under) insured women, I love the organization and think it's a disgrace what some of their employees and patients have to deal with. All of this is to say that because it is a mission driven organization there are certain drawbacks, and that you should really make sure that it's right for you. Good Luck!