suggestion needed on negotiating job offer

[SCalNP]

Got an offer from a physician to cover his SNF residents. This is my very first NP position. I pretty much have decided to take the offer. But I would like to know if it is reasonable to negotiate couple of benefits.

The physician offers to provide health insurance, malpractice insurance, and 2 weeks PTO.

I am wondering if I should ask him to substitute the health insurance (I have it from my spouse's job) with one week paid time off and $1500 allowance for CME each year. Do you think this is reasonable?

In order to plan my tax bracket, it is doable to ask him put some of the compensation as a match for my retiring plan?

Another question I have is about FNP cert renewal. I don't think I will have chance to see peds with this position. Will it be a problem when the renewal time comes?

Thanks ahead. Any input are appreciated!

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

I think two weeks PTO is very unreasonable, and I don't think you should have to substitute healthcare and CME allowance in order to get a fair number of PTO hours. You should get at least $1,500 per year CME, in addition to PTO (that does not come out of your personal PTO) in order to attend CME conferences etc., without having to forego any other benefits. They should also be paying for DEA and other expenses related to your job requirements. Even if they were to give you an extra week in trade for your healthcare, what will happen if you lose your healthcare with your husband and then you both need coverage under your job? Will they take all your PTO off you to pay for this? Don't under-sell yourself. I know it is hard when you are new and are looking for a foot in the door, but they are not doing you any favors with this offer.

[SCalNP]

I know we should not under-sell ourselves. it won't benefit the profession at all. I have been in the market for a while. My area is not friendly to newbies and I have no options to relocate.

The base is at the average level as shown on glassdoor. The bonus will kick in after I reach the minimal required collect ( about 40% of his current full time NP collects yearly). He told me I could request any benefits but the cost will come from the bonus.

I try to push the PTO to three weeks plus one week for CME.

[Jules A, MSN]

I always require top dollar for my commitment so it isn't about settling for less but one thing I will share is to keep any and all negotiations simplistic. Figure out the most direct way to get to your bottom line. The more you pick and choose, nickle and dime, like a Chinese dinner menu the more likely the prospective employer will get confused and irritated with the process and possibly even rescind the offer thinking you will be difficult do deal with.

Good luck!

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

Make sure the malpractice has tail coverage.