silkysha

Im just starting at the VA as a WHNP with a salary of 89,500; leaving a nursing salary of 79,856 at Womack Army medical Center. This is a federal position. The thing I'm kinda put out about is men NPs in this area of practice are getting paid 93,500. Read a recent article in a NP Journal about this problem, don't know how to fix it. Do your research and see what other's are getting paid in the same kind of practice you are in and negotiate. You and your skills are worth it. I don't have much experience. This was the initial offer and usually it goes up, but it's based on experience as a NP. I also asked about student loans, and will bring it up again after getting off probation in 2 yrs.

Yes, this scanrio is me right now. Just starting as a WHNP after being out of school for 6 1/2 yrs. But I have been going to conferences, listening to experienced NPs talk, get the most up to date changes, protocols, and keeping up on the CEs. However, God has answered by prayer for this position and I know he will allow his sweet Holy Spirit to be with me. I've been praying that the staff over me and the other I work along side of will be supportive and helpful. I'd rather ask a question and ultilize my resources, instead of doing something to harm my patient. That is why I'm on this site, i was looking for what we all are looking for when entering new challenges. But we are going to be Excellent Providers because we are anxious and want to do it right. I went to the WHNP conference in Florica in October and it was wonderful; full of the latest changes; problem solving tips, scenarios like the ones above and different kinds of practices and populations. So try to go to those or get the info from the conference online for a lesser price. But it's nothing like being there. Just take God with you everyday you go in, ask him to allow the Holy Spirit to go with you and give you the Grace to do an excellent job. Believe you can, and you will.

I am a WHNP in a Women's Health Clinic at the VA, Fayetteville, NC so WHNP can function anywhere, they just can't deliver and have made the choice not to deliver. I went to Stony Brook Univ in NY and have a MSN in Pernatal Women's Health Nursing. Contact this program and get some advice before you sit for your boards, b/c we take the same classes except for the delivery portion. But we still have to have knowledge of what goes on in a delivery if we work in a Women's Health Clinic b/c we take care of pregnant women until the time of delivery. Call your board of nursing, they are the experts. Good Luck; don't give up on getting what u want!! We do it in other areas of our lives; but take charge of your career. WHNP'S can function as primary care providers; some women only see their WHNP and no other doctor if specialists are not needed for referral/consult.