PTO for CME?

[Packstudentfnp]

Hi Guys - I'm negotiating my first offer as a new grad. I've ben offered $1,500 toward CME, 10 PTO days and 5 paid holidays. I would need to use PTO for CME hours if I want to be paid. I know other NPs who are allowed to count CME as work hours for reimbursement. What is the norm? 10 PTO days also sound a little low...should I ask for more?

Thanks for your help!

[IsabelK]

I would almost think it depends on the practice--do other practitioners get similar benefits packages? It does seem a little low to me, but then again, I just left a company that gave me no CME money and no time to go to conferences, etc.

The first company I worked for gave me $2000 toward CMEs, but no time off for it because I worked 7 on 7 off. The company I'll be working is also giving me $2000 toward CMEs after 6 months of employment, but they also include 4 conference days that you have to take. PTO at the new company is 23 days and I think 8 holidays.

Hope that helps...

[AnnaN5]

My current position is $2000 and 5 days for CME plus 4 weeks PTO. My previous position was $3,000 and 5 days for CME plus 6 weeks PTO.

Does your DEA/certification/licenses etc also come out of that $1500?

[Packstudentfnp]

All of my licensures/certifications are covered outside of the $1,500...but being new, I really don't know what $1,500 will get me CME-wise. The rest of the offer sounds really generous, especially for a new grad, but I really don't want to use vacation/sick days for CME. Would I be off base to ask for more PTO?

Thanks for the feedback!

[AnnaN5]

Unfortunately $1500 doesn't go far if you want to go to a major conference. The AANP yearly conference is around $700 plus additional fees for workshops. Adding in airfare, hotel, etc adds up. If you are lucky enough to have some local conferences that helps on the costs.