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Negotiating The Professional Contract
 

For the freshly minted NP or PA, finding the right place to practice and negotiating a reasonable professional contract can be a challenge. The keys to successful negotiation are similar to those for attaining proficiency in your clinical practice—providing insight into your personality, an evaluation of your personal and professional goals, and a commitment of time for preparation. For most NPs and PAs, employment opportunities do not just happen. Preparation, persistence, and personal contacts are basic requirements for finding the right position.

Of great interest to NPs and PAs—especially those with looming loan payments—is the compensation package. There are many important questions and topics to discuss regarding compensation (see Table 1). However, salaries are often determined by the “going rate” for particular services in your geographic region, in addition to your specialty, experience, and credentials. Your professional association (AAPA for PAs, AANP for NPs) has robust data on salaries in your particular specialty, practice setting, and geographic region; the average salary for both professions is currently about $97,000.1,2

 

 

 

Familiarize yourself with the statutes and regulations that govern the scope of practice in your state—this is especially important if there are specific supervision or collaboration rules. Be prepared to present applicable statutes, rules, and regulations to the physician and/or office manager. Know whether any reimbursement restrictions exist. Be sure to review IRS guidelines for employee status versus independent contractor status.

The diversity of NP and PA practices means one size does not fit all, so it is best to identify the practice that complements your own personality. So, before you open negotiations, it is important that you research the practice. (For suggestions on what to inquire about, see Table 2). It is also a good idea to check the Docinfo website (http://docinfo.org/#/search/query), sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards, to research disciplinary records of the physician(s). Additional information can be acquired at each state regulatory board site.

 

 

 

NEGOTIATION

When you’ve decided which employment offer to pursue, it’s time to think about how you want to negotiate your contract. Many people feel that negotiation is equivalent to confrontation, inevitably leading to an awkward disagreement with the practice. This is rarely the case; negotiation is simply a professional conversation, best had one-on-one with the key decision maker, rather than a group.

Never assume that your compensation package is predetermined. Whether you are starting a new job or looking to enhance your current situation, you can make a difference by asking for what you need.3 Knowing the local market and data is essential. Research the average salary in the region (for experienced versus new NP or PA). Be sure to think beyond salary and evaluate which benefits you’d like to have as part of your compensation package (see Table 3, as well as our survey results).

Carolyn Buppert, a specialist in legal and reimbursement issues for NPs and PAs, suggests three “P’s” of negotiation: Prepare, probe, and propose.4

 

 

 

Prepare. Learn how to calculate the projected revenue you would bring into a practice. You can determine the profit you generate by asking the practice administrator for data, noting Current Procedural Terminology codes and dates and becoming familiar with the fee schedule. According to Buppert, your salary and benefits should amount to about one-third of your total billings, and the benefits should equate to about 25% of your base salary.4 It is worthwhile to discuss nonmonetary contributions to the practice, such as improvements in patient satisfaction or reduction in no-shows.

Probe. Ask about the practice’s financial health during your interview and determine employer expectations for profits.

Propose. Once your prospective employer proves their value to you and after you have done due diligence researching the practice, do not hesitate to ask for what you deserve. When doing this, it is important to maintain neutral body language, keep an unemotional tone of voice, and convey an understanding of the employer’s point of view.4

Most successful negotiations occur over a couple of meetings. Careful listening is essential to avoid misunderstandings and false assumptions. By listening intently, you can identify the issues most important to the employer (eg, pay may be negotiable, but moonlighting not; or control over shift schedules is a hot button, but pay is not). Evaluating and weighing those against your own requirements may avoid an unnecessary impasse and result in a better outcome for you.

One question lives at the heart of negotiations: Should agreements be in writing? Written agreements carry more weight and prevent misunderstandings, a benefit to both parties involved. Formal, written negotiation of a contract forces the parties to discuss issues and provides a record for future reference.5

CONTRACTS

Because courses in negotiations, contract law, and business principles are rarely taught in educational programs, you should consider consulting an attorney who is familiar with contract and business issues. Avoid attorneys who have to research the laws regarding NP and PA practice—there are many who are well versed in these contracts. It is also usually more acceptable to conduct initial negotiations yourself, rather than through an attorney.

First, ask the attorney to review the contract and advise you of any troublesome provision or obvious omissions (see Table 4; a sample contract is also available on our website).6-8 Many attorneys with experience reviewing and negotiating such contracts will be willing to do an initial read and consultation for a fixed, predetermined fee. Following that consultation, it is best to discuss your concerns and questions directly with your potential employer. If you can come to a general agreement on revisions, either your lawyer or the employer’s can make the necessary changes.

When considering an employment agreement, there are specific issues and potential hurdles to look out for. Following is a brief discussion of some of them.

 

 

 

Liability insurance

Find out which type of liability insurance is offered (occurrence-based or claims-made), as well as the limits of liability. Occurrence-based insurance is usually recommended. However, if the policy is claims-made, it’s important to know if the tail coverage will be paid by the employer, or if there is a rider on the physician’s policy. Determine if your contract will allow for the cost of the tail to be deducted from final amounts that may be owed to you upon termination. Be prepared to acquire the tail, if needed, to ensure coverage.

Restrictive covenants (noncompete clauses)

Unfortunately, not all employment relationships work out in the long term. In recognition of this, many professional contracts contain an agreement known as a restrictive covenant, which impedes the NP’s or PA’s ability to practice in the community following a relationship cessation. Depending on where the practice is located, such restrictions can be devastating and may even require the NP or PA to move in order to pursue a career. The law of restrictive covenants varies greatly from state to state. Your attorney can help you evaluate the enforceability and effect of a restrictive covenant, advise you on what is or isn’t reasonable in the community, and give you suggestions on how to negotiate a more reasonable one.

Moonlighting

Whether or not you can moonlight—and where—is often negotiable. An employer certainly has the right to require that moonlighting not interfere with your regular duties or schedule; endorse competitors of your employer or potentially divert patients; or expose the employer to malpractice liability. If you can assure your employer that these three situations will not transpire, then moonlighting (with advance scheduling notice and permission) should be acceptable.

Training/continuing education

It is typical for the employer to reimburse some or all of the cost of continuing education, up to a maximum annual amount. It is also reasonable for the employer (if paying for the CME) to pre-approve the curriculum, as well as the timing to avoid scheduling problems. 

 

 

 

Salary and bonus

Compensation systems can be entirely objective (ie, production based), subjective (entirely up to the discretion of the employer based on internal criteria), or a combination of both. It is important to get a clear understanding of the system so that you know what is expected of you and what the rewards are for meeting performance goals.

Income guarantee/advanced expenses/repayment obligation

It is not uncommon for a local hospital to help a medical practice by guaranteeing the salary for a certain period of time. In this situation, the guarantee can be structured in a number of different ways—but it typically involves an obligation to repay a predetermined amount if you leave the practice area before the expiration of the term. Often, the practice will seek to pass that liability on to you. The same may apply for advanced moving expenses, CME, etc. A practice may require you to be employed for a specified amount of time to “earn” those advanced expenses, or to pay them back if an early termination occurs. In any case, it is important to know what the expectations are, and what circumstances could lead to an early termination and/or repayment obligation.

Terms and termination

Pay particular attention to the terms of your agreement. In one paragraph, it may say that the contract is for one year with annual renewals, but later on it explains that it can be terminated by either party upon 30 days notice. In that case, it is not a one-year contract; it is a 30-day contract. If there is a possibility of early termination and a restrictive covenant, or even a repayment obligation, you could really be at risk. Pay attention to whether early termination is “for cause” or “without cause.” If it is only for cause, inquire what constitutes a cause and whether there are any opportunities to rectify a perceived problem.

CONCLUSION

Constant changes in the health care marketplace will continue to generate opportunities for NPs and PAs. This is especially true for clinicians who demonstrate competence, enthusiasm, and commitment to quality patient care. The same clinical skills you learned in school and practice will help you find a clinical position and negotiate a good professional contract. Attention to detail, evidence-based research, and excellent communication skills will enable you to land a position beneficial to both parties.

References

1. American Academy of Physician Assistants. 2016 AAPA Salary Report. www.aapa.org/research/salary-report. Accessed November 4, 2016.
2. American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Annual income for full-time nurse practitioners up 10% since 2011. www.aanp.org/press-room/press-releases/166-press-room/2015-press-releases/1803-annual- income-for-full-time-nurse-practitioners-up-10-since-2011. Accessed November 4, 2016.
3. Bourne H. A Great Deal! Compensation Negotiation for Nurse Practition­ers & Physician Assistants. 3rd ed. Arcata, CA: Open Spaces; 1998.
4. Buppert C. Nurse Practitioner’s Business Practice and Legal Guide. 5th ed. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2015.
5. Henley MB. Finding your ideal job and negotiating your contract: where to get the information and numbers you need to know. J Orthop Trauma. 2012;26(1):S9-S13.
6. AAPA. Contacts and contracts: a guide to your PA career. www.aapa.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2147486883. Accessed November 4, 2016.
7. AANP. Employment negotiations. www.aanp.org/practice/reimbursement/68-articles/579-employment-negotiations. Accessed November 4, 2016.
8. Buppert C. Employment agreements: clauses that can change an NP’s life. Nurse Pract. 1997;22(8):108-109.

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Randy D. Danielsen, the PA Editor-in-Chief of Clinician Reviews, is Professor & Dean of the Arizona School of Health Sciences at A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona. Austin D. Potenza is a founding shareholder and head of the Corporate/Transactional Practice Group of May, Potenza, Baran, & Gillespie and serves on the firm’s Management Committee. Marie-Eileen Onieal, the NP Editor-in-Chief of Clinician Reviews, recently retired from her role as Professor and Program Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah.

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Randy D. Danielsen, the PA Editor-in-Chief of Clinician Reviews, is Professor & Dean of the Arizona School of Health Sciences at A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona. Austin D. Potenza is a founding shareholder and head of the Corporate/Transactional Practice Group of May, Potenza, Baran, & Gillespie and serves on the firm’s Management Committee. Marie-Eileen Onieal, the NP Editor-in-Chief of Clinician Reviews, recently retired from her role as Professor and Program Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah.

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Randy D. Danielsen, the PA Editor-in-Chief of Clinician Reviews, is Professor & Dean of the Arizona School of Health Sciences at A.T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona. Austin D. Potenza is a founding shareholder and head of the Corporate/Transactional Practice Group of May, Potenza, Baran, & Gillespie and serves on the firm’s Management Committee. Marie-Eileen Onieal, the NP Editor-in-Chief of Clinician Reviews, recently retired from her role as Professor and Program Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah.

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For the freshly minted NP or PA, finding the right place to practice and negotiating a reasonable professional contract can be a challenge. The keys to successful negotiation are similar to those for attaining proficiency in your clinical practice—providing insight into your personality, an evaluation of your personal and professional goals, and a commitment of time for preparation. For most NPs and PAs, employment opportunities do not just happen. Preparation, persistence, and personal contacts are basic requirements for finding the right position.

Of great interest to NPs and PAs—especially those with looming loan payments—is the compensation package. There are many important questions and topics to discuss regarding compensation (see Table 1). However, salaries are often determined by the “going rate” for particular services in your geographic region, in addition to your specialty, experience, and credentials. Your professional association (AAPA for PAs, AANP for NPs) has robust data on salaries in your particular specialty, practice setting, and geographic region; the average salary for both professions is currently about $97,000.1,2

 

 

 

Familiarize yourself with the statutes and regulations that govern the scope of practice in your state—this is especially important if there are specific supervision or collaboration rules. Be prepared to present applicable statutes, rules, and regulations to the physician and/or office manager. Know whether any reimbursement restrictions exist. Be sure to review IRS guidelines for employee status versus independent contractor status.

The diversity of NP and PA practices means one size does not fit all, so it is best to identify the practice that complements your own personality. So, before you open negotiations, it is important that you research the practice. (For suggestions on what to inquire about, see Table 2). It is also a good idea to check the Docinfo website (http://docinfo.org/#/search/query), sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards, to research disciplinary records of the physician(s). Additional information can be acquired at each state regulatory board site.

 

 

 

NEGOTIATION

When you’ve decided which employment offer to pursue, it’s time to think about how you want to negotiate your contract. Many people feel that negotiation is equivalent to confrontation, inevitably leading to an awkward disagreement with the practice. This is rarely the case; negotiation is simply a professional conversation, best had one-on-one with the key decision maker, rather than a group.

Never assume that your compensation package is predetermined. Whether you are starting a new job or looking to enhance your current situation, you can make a difference by asking for what you need.3 Knowing the local market and data is essential. Research the average salary in the region (for experienced versus new NP or PA). Be sure to think beyond salary and evaluate which benefits you’d like to have as part of your compensation package (see Table 3, as well as our survey results).

Carolyn Buppert, a specialist in legal and reimbursement issues for NPs and PAs, suggests three “P’s” of negotiation: Prepare, probe, and propose.4

 

 

 

Prepare. Learn how to calculate the projected revenue you would bring into a practice. You can determine the profit you generate by asking the practice administrator for data, noting Current Procedural Terminology codes and dates and becoming familiar with the fee schedule. According to Buppert, your salary and benefits should amount to about one-third of your total billings, and the benefits should equate to about 25% of your base salary.4 It is worthwhile to discuss nonmonetary contributions to the practice, such as improvements in patient satisfaction or reduction in no-shows.

Probe. Ask about the practice’s financial health during your interview and determine employer expectations for profits.

Propose. Once your prospective employer proves their value to you and after you have done due diligence researching the practice, do not hesitate to ask for what you deserve. When doing this, it is important to maintain neutral body language, keep an unemotional tone of voice, and convey an understanding of the employer’s point of view.4

Most successful negotiations occur over a couple of meetings. Careful listening is essential to avoid misunderstandings and false assumptions. By listening intently, you can identify the issues most important to the employer (eg, pay may be negotiable, but moonlighting not; or control over shift schedules is a hot button, but pay is not). Evaluating and weighing those against your own requirements may avoid an unnecessary impasse and result in a better outcome for you.

One question lives at the heart of negotiations: Should agreements be in writing? Written agreements carry more weight and prevent misunderstandings, a benefit to both parties involved. Formal, written negotiation of a contract forces the parties to discuss issues and provides a record for future reference.5

CONTRACTS

Because courses in negotiations, contract law, and business principles are rarely taught in educational programs, you should consider consulting an attorney who is familiar with contract and business issues. Avoid attorneys who have to research the laws regarding NP and PA practice—there are many who are well versed in these contracts. It is also usually more acceptable to conduct initial negotiations yourself, rather than through an attorney.

First, ask the attorney to review the contract and advise you of any troublesome provision or obvious omissions (see Table 4; a sample contract is also available on our website).6-8 Many attorneys with experience reviewing and negotiating such contracts will be willing to do an initial read and consultation for a fixed, predetermined fee. Following that consultation, it is best to discuss your concerns and questions directly with your potential employer. If you can come to a general agreement on revisions, either your lawyer or the employer’s can make the necessary changes.

When considering an employment agreement, there are specific issues and potential hurdles to look out for. Following is a brief discussion of some of them.

 

 

 

Liability insurance

Find out which type of liability insurance is offered (occurrence-based or claims-made), as well as the limits of liability. Occurrence-based insurance is usually recommended. However, if the policy is claims-made, it’s important to know if the tail coverage will be paid by the employer, or if there is a rider on the physician’s policy. Determine if your contract will allow for the cost of the tail to be deducted from final amounts that may be owed to you upon termination. Be prepared to acquire the tail, if needed, to ensure coverage.

Restrictive covenants (noncompete clauses)

Unfortunately, not all employment relationships work out in the long term. In recognition of this, many professional contracts contain an agreement known as a restrictive covenant, which impedes the NP’s or PA’s ability to practice in the community following a relationship cessation. Depending on where the practice is located, such restrictions can be devastating and may even require the NP or PA to move in order to pursue a career. The law of restrictive covenants varies greatly from state to state. Your attorney can help you evaluate the enforceability and effect of a restrictive covenant, advise you on what is or isn’t reasonable in the community, and give you suggestions on how to negotiate a more reasonable one.

Moonlighting

Whether or not you can moonlight—and where—is often negotiable. An employer certainly has the right to require that moonlighting not interfere with your regular duties or schedule; endorse competitors of your employer or potentially divert patients; or expose the employer to malpractice liability. If you can assure your employer that these three situations will not transpire, then moonlighting (with advance scheduling notice and permission) should be acceptable.

Training/continuing education

It is typical for the employer to reimburse some or all of the cost of continuing education, up to a maximum annual amount. It is also reasonable for the employer (if paying for the CME) to pre-approve the curriculum, as well as the timing to avoid scheduling problems. 

 

 

 

Salary and bonus

Compensation systems can be entirely objective (ie, production based), subjective (entirely up to the discretion of the employer based on internal criteria), or a combination of both. It is important to get a clear understanding of the system so that you know what is expected of you and what the rewards are for meeting performance goals.

Income guarantee/advanced expenses/repayment obligation

It is not uncommon for a local hospital to help a medical practice by guaranteeing the salary for a certain period of time. In this situation, the guarantee can be structured in a number of different ways—but it typically involves an obligation to repay a predetermined amount if you leave the practice area before the expiration of the term. Often, the practice will seek to pass that liability on to you. The same may apply for advanced moving expenses, CME, etc. A practice may require you to be employed for a specified amount of time to “earn” those advanced expenses, or to pay them back if an early termination occurs. In any case, it is important to know what the expectations are, and what circumstances could lead to an early termination and/or repayment obligation.

Terms and termination

Pay particular attention to the terms of your agreement. In one paragraph, it may say that the contract is for one year with annual renewals, but later on it explains that it can be terminated by either party upon 30 days notice. In that case, it is not a one-year contract; it is a 30-day contract. If there is a possibility of early termination and a restrictive covenant, or even a repayment obligation, you could really be at risk. Pay attention to whether early termination is “for cause” or “without cause.” If it is only for cause, inquire what constitutes a cause and whether there are any opportunities to rectify a perceived problem.

CONCLUSION

Constant changes in the health care marketplace will continue to generate opportunities for NPs and PAs. This is especially true for clinicians who demonstrate competence, enthusiasm, and commitment to quality patient care. The same clinical skills you learned in school and practice will help you find a clinical position and negotiate a good professional contract. Attention to detail, evidence-based research, and excellent communication skills will enable you to land a position beneficial to both parties.

 

For the freshly minted NP or PA, finding the right place to practice and negotiating a reasonable professional contract can be a challenge. The keys to successful negotiation are similar to those for attaining proficiency in your clinical practice—providing insight into your personality, an evaluation of your personal and professional goals, and a commitment of time for preparation. For most NPs and PAs, employment opportunities do not just happen. Preparation, persistence, and personal contacts are basic requirements for finding the right position.

Of great interest to NPs and PAs—especially those with looming loan payments—is the compensation package. There are many important questions and topics to discuss regarding compensation (see Table 1). However, salaries are often determined by the “going rate” for particular services in your geographic region, in addition to your specialty, experience, and credentials. Your professional association (AAPA for PAs, AANP for NPs) has robust data on salaries in your particular specialty, practice setting, and geographic region; the average salary for both professions is currently about $97,000.1,2

 

 

 

Familiarize yourself with the statutes and regulations that govern the scope of practice in your state—this is especially important if there are specific supervision or collaboration rules. Be prepared to present applicable statutes, rules, and regulations to the physician and/or office manager. Know whether any reimbursement restrictions exist. Be sure to review IRS guidelines for employee status versus independent contractor status.

The diversity of NP and PA practices means one size does not fit all, so it is best to identify the practice that complements your own personality. So, before you open negotiations, it is important that you research the practice. (For suggestions on what to inquire about, see Table 2). It is also a good idea to check the Docinfo website (http://docinfo.org/#/search/query), sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards, to research disciplinary records of the physician(s). Additional information can be acquired at each state regulatory board site.

 

 

 

NEGOTIATION

When you’ve decided which employment offer to pursue, it’s time to think about how you want to negotiate your contract. Many people feel that negotiation is equivalent to confrontation, inevitably leading to an awkward disagreement with the practice. This is rarely the case; negotiation is simply a professional conversation, best had one-on-one with the key decision maker, rather than a group.

Never assume that your compensation package is predetermined. Whether you are starting a new job or looking to enhance your current situation, you can make a difference by asking for what you need.3 Knowing the local market and data is essential. Research the average salary in the region (for experienced versus new NP or PA). Be sure to think beyond salary and evaluate which benefits you’d like to have as part of your compensation package (see Table 3, as well as our survey results).

Carolyn Buppert, a specialist in legal and reimbursement issues for NPs and PAs, suggests three “P’s” of negotiation: Prepare, probe, and propose.4

 

 

 

Prepare. Learn how to calculate the projected revenue you would bring into a practice. You can determine the profit you generate by asking the practice administrator for data, noting Current Procedural Terminology codes and dates and becoming familiar with the fee schedule. According to Buppert, your salary and benefits should amount to about one-third of your total billings, and the benefits should equate to about 25% of your base salary.4 It is worthwhile to discuss nonmonetary contributions to the practice, such as improvements in patient satisfaction or reduction in no-shows.

Probe. Ask about the practice’s financial health during your interview and determine employer expectations for profits.

Propose. Once your prospective employer proves their value to you and after you have done due diligence researching the practice, do not hesitate to ask for what you deserve. When doing this, it is important to maintain neutral body language, keep an unemotional tone of voice, and convey an understanding of the employer’s point of view.4

Most successful negotiations occur over a couple of meetings. Careful listening is essential to avoid misunderstandings and false assumptions. By listening intently, you can identify the issues most important to the employer (eg, pay may be negotiable, but moonlighting not; or control over shift schedules is a hot button, but pay is not). Evaluating and weighing those against your own requirements may avoid an unnecessary impasse and result in a better outcome for you.

One question lives at the heart of negotiations: Should agreements be in writing? Written agreements carry more weight and prevent misunderstandings, a benefit to both parties involved. Formal, written negotiation of a contract forces the parties to discuss issues and provides a record for future reference.5

CONTRACTS

Because courses in negotiations, contract law, and business principles are rarely taught in educational programs, you should consider consulting an attorney who is familiar with contract and business issues. Avoid attorneys who have to research the laws regarding NP and PA practice—there are many who are well versed in these contracts. It is also usually more acceptable to conduct initial negotiations yourself, rather than through an attorney.

First, ask the attorney to review the contract and advise you of any troublesome provision or obvious omissions (see Table 4; a sample contract is also available on our website).6-8 Many attorneys with experience reviewing and negotiating such contracts will be willing to do an initial read and consultation for a fixed, predetermined fee. Following that consultation, it is best to discuss your concerns and questions directly with your potential employer. If you can come to a general agreement on revisions, either your lawyer or the employer’s can make the necessary changes.

When considering an employment agreement, there are specific issues and potential hurdles to look out for. Following is a brief discussion of some of them.

 

 

 

Liability insurance

Find out which type of liability insurance is offered (occurrence-based or claims-made), as well as the limits of liability. Occurrence-based insurance is usually recommended. However, if the policy is claims-made, it’s important to know if the tail coverage will be paid by the employer, or if there is a rider on the physician’s policy. Determine if your contract will allow for the cost of the tail to be deducted from final amounts that may be owed to you upon termination. Be prepared to acquire the tail, if needed, to ensure coverage.

Restrictive covenants (noncompete clauses)

Unfortunately, not all employment relationships work out in the long term. In recognition of this, many professional contracts contain an agreement known as a restrictive covenant, which impedes the NP’s or PA’s ability to practice in the community following a relationship cessation. Depending on where the practice is located, such restrictions can be devastating and may even require the NP or PA to move in order to pursue a career. The law of restrictive covenants varies greatly from state to state. Your attorney can help you evaluate the enforceability and effect of a restrictive covenant, advise you on what is or isn’t reasonable in the community, and give you suggestions on how to negotiate a more reasonable one.

Moonlighting

Whether or not you can moonlight—and where—is often negotiable. An employer certainly has the right to require that moonlighting not interfere with your regular duties or schedule; endorse competitors of your employer or potentially divert patients; or expose the employer to malpractice liability. If you can assure your employer that these three situations will not transpire, then moonlighting (with advance scheduling notice and permission) should be acceptable.

Training/continuing education

It is typical for the employer to reimburse some or all of the cost of continuing education, up to a maximum annual amount. It is also reasonable for the employer (if paying for the CME) to pre-approve the curriculum, as well as the timing to avoid scheduling problems. 

 

 

 

Salary and bonus

Compensation systems can be entirely objective (ie, production based), subjective (entirely up to the discretion of the employer based on internal criteria), or a combination of both. It is important to get a clear understanding of the system so that you know what is expected of you and what the rewards are for meeting performance goals.

Income guarantee/advanced expenses/repayment obligation

It is not uncommon for a local hospital to help a medical practice by guaranteeing the salary for a certain period of time. In this situation, the guarantee can be structured in a number of different ways—but it typically involves an obligation to repay a predetermined amount if you leave the practice area before the expiration of the term. Often, the practice will seek to pass that liability on to you. The same may apply for advanced moving expenses, CME, etc. A practice may require you to be employed for a specified amount of time to “earn” those advanced expenses, or to pay them back if an early termination occurs. In any case, it is important to know what the expectations are, and what circumstances could lead to an early termination and/or repayment obligation.

Terms and termination

Pay particular attention to the terms of your agreement. In one paragraph, it may say that the contract is for one year with annual renewals, but later on it explains that it can be terminated by either party upon 30 days notice. In that case, it is not a one-year contract; it is a 30-day contract. If there is a possibility of early termination and a restrictive covenant, or even a repayment obligation, you could really be at risk. Pay attention to whether early termination is “for cause” or “without cause.” If it is only for cause, inquire what constitutes a cause and whether there are any opportunities to rectify a perceived problem.

CONCLUSION

Constant changes in the health care marketplace will continue to generate opportunities for NPs and PAs. This is especially true for clinicians who demonstrate competence, enthusiasm, and commitment to quality patient care. The same clinical skills you learned in school and practice will help you find a clinical position and negotiate a good professional contract. Attention to detail, evidence-based research, and excellent communication skills will enable you to land a position beneficial to both parties.

References

1. American Academy of Physician Assistants. 2016 AAPA Salary Report. www.aapa.org/research/salary-report. Accessed November 4, 2016.
2. American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Annual income for full-time nurse practitioners up 10% since 2011. www.aanp.org/press-room/press-releases/166-press-room/2015-press-releases/1803-annual- income-for-full-time-nurse-practitioners-up-10-since-2011. Accessed November 4, 2016.
3. Bourne H. A Great Deal! Compensation Negotiation for Nurse Practition­ers & Physician Assistants. 3rd ed. Arcata, CA: Open Spaces; 1998.
4. Buppert C. Nurse Practitioner’s Business Practice and Legal Guide. 5th ed. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2015.
5. Henley MB. Finding your ideal job and negotiating your contract: where to get the information and numbers you need to know. J Orthop Trauma. 2012;26(1):S9-S13.
6. AAPA. Contacts and contracts: a guide to your PA career. www.aapa.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2147486883. Accessed November 4, 2016.
7. AANP. Employment negotiations. www.aanp.org/practice/reimbursement/68-articles/579-employment-negotiations. Accessed November 4, 2016.
8. Buppert C. Employment agreements: clauses that can change an NP’s life. Nurse Pract. 1997;22(8):108-109.

References

1. American Academy of Physician Assistants. 2016 AAPA Salary Report. www.aapa.org/research/salary-report. Accessed November 4, 2016.
2. American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Annual income for full-time nurse practitioners up 10% since 2011. www.aanp.org/press-room/press-releases/166-press-room/2015-press-releases/1803-annual- income-for-full-time-nurse-practitioners-up-10-since-2011. Accessed November 4, 2016.
3. Bourne H. A Great Deal! Compensation Negotiation for Nurse Practition­ers & Physician Assistants. 3rd ed. Arcata, CA: Open Spaces; 1998.
4. Buppert C. Nurse Practitioner’s Business Practice and Legal Guide. 5th ed. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning; 2015.
5. Henley MB. Finding your ideal job and negotiating your contract: where to get the information and numbers you need to know. J Orthop Trauma. 2012;26(1):S9-S13.
6. AAPA. Contacts and contracts: a guide to your PA career. www.aapa.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=2147486883. Accessed November 4, 2016.
7. AANP. Employment negotiations. www.aanp.org/practice/reimbursement/68-articles/579-employment-negotiations. Accessed November 4, 2016.
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Clinician Reviews - 26(12)
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Clinician Reviews - 26(12)
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28-33
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