Nurse Practitioner Employment Offers
Previously we've discussed many aspects of the job search and interview process. What should happen after you receive that phone call or e-mail informing you that you've been hired? Employers should follow up with details in writing, and because you are a savvy job seeker, you'll request it in writing if it's presented verbally! Miscommunications readily occur, and having everything written down can save you heartache later.
Your offer should clearly state the compensation. Your base compensation should be stated along with any other bonuses, profit sharing, etc. You should know what it takes for you to reach the goals established for production.
Benefits vary from employer to employer but generally include health, dental, and disability insurance. Make sure you know what portion you pay and what the employer is responsible for as well as how the health plan works.
Although you'll love your new job, you may want a day off occasionally. Paid Time Off is simply what it implies. More companies today roll both sick time and vacation time into one category rather than keep them separate. Be sure you know how many and which days are considered vacation days and how comp time is taken if the clinic is open on a holiday.
Continuing Medical Education (CME) should be separate from paid time off and will usually include a number of paid educational days and a lump sum of money to be used for conferences, etc.
There are many different types of retirement plans, and planning ahead is essential. Be sure it's recorded if your employer is contributing to your plan and what that looks like. Most often we see a match up to a certain percentage of the employee's salary.
Make sure you haven't left out the basics such as who you report to and what your hours will be. It should be noted when the first and last patients of the day are scheduled and when there is a break for lunch or catch-up.
If you are completely satisfied with all of the details in the offer, go ahead and sign on the dotted line and good luck with your new position!
Lynn Schiff, NP, is the owner of Advanced Practice Solutions, a recruiting firm specializing in permanent and temporary nurse practitioner placements. Reach her through the Web site www.advancedpracticesolutions.com.