[NPInfo] Compensation and moving on

[Carla Anderson]

I agree with all of you.  I am very new to this list (4-5 mos), but appreciate the value of being able to give and receive education and encouragement for all of us nationally in a larger forum than possible in other ways. So many times NPs and PAs get isolated in their individual positions and feel that they are the only ones doing something, or that it is better to settle, or that "at least they have a job".. It is always an individual choice, and timing is different for everyone. But on a personal note, I am changing my mind set, and am currently in an Independent Contractor position, but more changes are in the works, a partnership,  an NP owned practice, etc  In the last 6 mos I have seen here in Oregon NPs changing positions, starting their own practices, starting their own businesses, or if wishing to be employed, with benefits, asking for at least 30%-40% more in salary/dollar per hour, and getting it, and I agree, it has been very stressful, but it is worth it. 
 This is an excellent topic for this list, as we do not get enough business training, if any, in our NP or PA education. I am finding encouragement from NPs here in Oregon like Tracy Klein, and my partner Meg, people like Peg Fitzgerald who has been a trailblazer.  There is also a website I recently found called www.nnba.net   and the business is owned by an RN, but it is for nurses in business, or wishing to be, or info on being an independent contractor, entrepreneur, etc.. I found it interesting. Anything that helps stimulate growth and change of mindset. For those NP students on the list, I would encourage you now, before you jump into your first job, to get as much business experience as you can, and to learn from nurses/NPs/PAs in business,  as this will help you so much for every position in the future. Carla/Portland, OR

Jeffrey Hazzard <jeffnp27 at yahoo.com> wrote:  Nancy,

Sage advice, thank you!

I had a similar experience. No pay raise for 6 years. Astonishment when I quit. No one to take my place-the applicants scoffed at the pay. A realignment of thinking on the part of the doctor owners. A request for me to come back at a much higher rate of pay. My declination was because we were still $8 apart on pay and I was tired of making them rich. All of my sled dog, free state, slave state rhetoric came from my disdain at their economic abuse. Now I'm earning, as an unbenefitted contractor, about $20 more per hour. My benefits were worth far less than the difference. And I am working smarter, not harder at the new post. And I am working for a family business that is elated to have my skills and experience, with the future possibility of equity sharing with them.

Jeff Hazzard, Tampa region

Nosna at aol.com wrote:
I changed companies and positions in November, for the same reasons that 
Chris and Dena spoke about.

The specifics don't matter...the story is the same.

So what can be done?

I am not sure, but I think that by leaving, we may be doing something. In 
leaving a position the management is forced to offer a higher salary 
(ridiculous but new employees always make more than the ones that have been there for 
a 7-10 years), as Dena said...more positions are opened, (it takes two people 
to do what one person was doing) and we spread our knowledge as seasoned 
providers. I am sure there are more.

It doesn't seem fair that we must leave a position that we enjoy (when there 
is time), people we love and have to jump into "learning" another job...and 
I have found that it isn't as easy to transition now that I am "older".

I am not rotating shifts, I have weekends and holidays off, much less stress 
(I was in the ER) more education money, more opportunity for advancement and 
in a year I will have a better pension plan.

My advice....don't stay where you are abused.....DO WHAT YOU CAN TO ADVANCE 
YOURSELF where you are and then MOVE ON....don't just bitch and complain. I 
realized that the negatives out weighted the positives and I was miserable.

Just my thoughts as I struggle in my new position..it is hard to go from 
incredibly competent to new learner...but I have done it before and I will do it 
again.

Nancy Anson, APRN
_______________________________________________
NPInfo mailing list
NPInfo at nurse.net
http://lists.nurse.net/mailman/listinfo/npinfo
*****************************



---------------------------------
Looking for earth-friendly autos? 
Browse Top Cars by "Green Rating" at Yahoo! Autos' Green Center. 
_______________________________________________
NPInfo mailing list
NPInfo at nurse.net
http://lists.nurse.net/mailman/listinfo/npinfo
*****************************