Take the Offer as a New Grad?

Jules A, MSN · May 16, 2015

How much do other NPs in your area make? I made way more than that as a RN but all areas are different.

Vitabella · May 16, 2015

I've heard of new grads making $65,000-80,000 starting with benefits in my area (50's for FQHCs). If I were to continue as an RN full-time at my current job then I would make $5,000 more per yr than I would as an NP with this position. A part of me worries that I won't find any other job opportunities since I'm a new grad and I also wonder if it would be worth it to just work here for a year to get experience. Also financially, I would be able to live comfortably since cost of living is so low here.

Tesses · May 16, 2015

Counter the offer with a higher amount and request for benefits.....if the figure is still too low (depending on your area), give yourself more time & keep searching. Regardless of area, I would say NPs should'nt take less than $73k annual salary+ benefits (that's in a worst case scenario). Things have improved a lot especially with the affordable healthcare act. Latest news on CMS is also in favor of a new Medicare payment system which is favorable.

Goodluck

Fnpatlast · May 16, 2015

Don't accept the job. That salary is way too low. Keep looking.

Jules A, MSN · May 16, 2015

I've heard of new grads making $65,000-80,000 starting with benefits in my area (50's for FQHCs). If I were to continue as an RN full-time at my current job then I would make $5,000 more per yr than I would as an NP with this position. A part of me worries that I won't find any other job opportunities since I'm a new grad and I also wonder if it would be worth it to just work here for a year to get experience. Also financially, I would be able to live comfortably since cost of living is so low here.

First off I don't ever do anything in my career life just for the experience.

The fact that your cost of living is low should have no bearing on you taking a low offer compared to others in that area. Clearly you aren't going to make what someone in a high pay rate region will but if NPs without experience in your area are making $80,000 with benefits I would at least require that much especially if you have a decent nursing resume with relevant experience in the field you are applying. I personally started making the same amount as they paid seasoned NPs in my area because no one was going to do any kind of orientation so I wasn't willing to take a lower rate and I knew what they were paying their current NPs.

Vitabella · May 16, 2015

Thanks, I think I'll try to go in Monday to counter the offer - I've never negotiated before so it's probably time to start!

Vitabella · May 16, 2015

Thanks, Jules - that helps. I should stop trying to justify the low offer and either counter (a lot!) or keep looking.

Tesses · May 16, 2015

Thanks, Jules - that helps. I should stop trying to justify the low offer and either counter (a lot!) or keep looking.

Yes...emoloyers know what they are doing really! While I fought for pay adjustment with my employer + review of benefits, I discovered a coworker is given $250 CME allowance while I get X10 of that amount.....maybe he didnt negotiate. ..who knows....so step up & take 'being a new grad' out of the equation too

delawaremalenurse · May 16, 2015

Thanks, I think I'll try to go in Monday to counter the offer - I've never negotiated before so it's probably time to start!

If you're a member the AANP has some very useful tips on negotiating and there are some blogs out there with some excellent suggestions as well

Jules A, MSN · May 16, 2015

It can be intimidating but knowing your value and being firm will result in a better outcome whether you end up working for them or not. If in fact you know that XYZ facility pays a certain amount I would share that in one instance my employer actually called someone they knew at a facility and confirmed what I told them.

In my experience it can be very difficult to get a significant increase once you are hired and at least for me working at a job where I feel they are underpaying me would not make for a happy camper. I swore I wouldn't ever be one of the bitter old nurses we have all worked with so I have to make serious bank which keeps the smile on my face and sparkle in my eye, lol. Best of luck to you.

Dranger · May 16, 2015

That is really low regardless of where you live and the fact that there is no benefits makes the offer even worse.

I made more than that as a new grad RN. Think about it, with that salary you are making around $30 an hour without benefits. Bad bad bad