Depending on your level of experience in your Nursing Career, your next job offer (or could be the first one) may come with a lengthy-full of employment contract that will be handed to you.
While the excitement of getting hired and having to start off right away fills you in, you should never just scan off the contract and just sign anything without looking at the details.
Especially for fresh graduates looking to start off their nursing career, it is important to make sure you take the time to review each item on the contract thoroughly – with that here are 5 important items Nursing Practitioners need to Look at when signing their employment contract.
1. The Salary
Right off the bat – you have to know how much money you would be making. Is the offered salary matched or somehow near your asked salary?
Nurse practitioners that are paid on an hourly basis gets an average of $47.63 an hour – you can use this to gauge if the salary is low, high or just right.
You can also search the internet for more salary related information, you can visit the following:
https://www.indeed.com/career/nurse-practitioner/salaries
https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/nurse-practitioner-salary
https://teach.com/online-ed/healthcare-degrees/online-msn-programs/nursing-salary-by-state/
Aside from the salary itself, you should also take note whether you will be paid on a salaried basis or hourly basis. Being paid on an hourly basis could give you more flexibility and ensure that the extra hours you work for are paid as well.
2. Bonuses Payments
Do not be shy to ask if there are any bonuses or incentives. Some employment contracts may say that they offer productivity bonuses but doesn’t clearly state how and when it will be paid.
Consider asking these questions and make sure the answers are stated on the contract:
- How will I get the bonus payment?
- When will I receive the bonus/incentive?
- What merits are needed for the bonus payments?
- What actions can void your chance of getting it?
Be careful of empty promises regarding bonus payments and make sure to have a clear and well defined bonus structure that you and the employer agreed on the contract.
3. Flexibility Schedule
As a nurse, your schedule will most likely require longer hours than other jobs. That being said, flexibility schedule is another important factor to look at as it can affect your rest.
Consider your lifestyle before you plan out a schedule that works for you but at the same time make sure that it is fair to your employer. Try to negotiate the flexibility of your schedule before finally deciding.
4. Leaves and Vacation Days
Just like any other employees out there, nurses need to take some time off too. This allows you to refresh and spend time on personal matters and family obligations.
Be sure to ask how many paid leave days you are allowed to take off as a leave/vacation in a year. If you think you will need extra time, you can always negotiate – it is better to let them know first hand rather than not mentioning it at all!
5. Insurance Benefits
While Insurance Benefits may not be offered in every medical establishment, it is always useful to ask and negotiate for it. In most cases health and dental are common to those facilities that give insurance.
This is another perk that NP’s should look into – if you do not like the plan being offered to you by the employer you may be able to get a different one customized to your preference. You can ask them to consider reconstructing the plan or offer you a different package.
These are just a few of the things Nursing Practitioners need to know before signing a contract – it is always important to fully understand the remunerations of the healthcare job before you agree on taking it.
If you want to read more or find out more about medical/healthcare jobs, you can check these helpful Factors to look for in a job offer.
