polarbebe Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Seeking advice, reader's experience and knowledge (any information to the contrary is welcome) with negotiating with a major metropolitan hospital in NYC (or any major city) where PAs are union members. A little background: Not looking to relocate at this time due to family in the vicinity. Having worked in NYC for close to five years, spoken to many of my colleagues across different hospital systems and in the NY metro area (including NJ and Connecticut). In my experience the NYC metro area severely depresses salaries (FT, PT, per diem) in general (there are exceptions) compared to the more rural areas or the rest of the country by in large due to attraction of living in NYC (for some) and largest number of PA programs in the nation (22 in NYS). Few EDs within the NYC borders have PAs only in the main ED seeing level 2/higher acuity level 3 patients (septic shock, CP, acute CVA, etc.); from my experience to talking to many PAs, the vast majority are in fast track and those that are in the main ED see "less acute" abdominal pains/stable bleeds, etc. Lincoln (in a very rough neighborhood) is another hospital I know that has PAs in the main ED (run codes, CVLs, intubate, etc.)... if you know of another hospital within NYC please let me know in your reply. Practicing for almost five years but close to six years of clinical experience (critical care, main ED, stroke service) due to having two jobs. Currently work FT in critical care and per diem in the main ED (my experience is not in question, have excellent recommendations and reviews over the past 5 years that were provided during the meeting today). Current ED per diem rate is $45/hr (this is quite low as I am aware but have stayed here primarily for the experience (hoping this will open doors later in my career as opposed to working only in fast track). Have spoken to two chief ED PAs (one former, one present) at one of the three largest health systems within the NYC borders (excluding HHC, the public hospitals); they have stated the union prevents them a) giving bonuses/increases to exceptional PAs as incentives (this is deemed unfair to the other non-exceptional PAs) b) salary structure is very rigid due to the contract between the union and the health system. Met with the ED director today who stated her "hands are tied" regarding salaries (she has met with several other PAs from the ED, one full-time PA states she was denied after requesting). However, since I am per diem states she will forward the information I provided to her (AAPA salary report and bureau of labor statistics) to HR to get an increase (states that HR has responded the low salary is balanced by the good benefits) and she requested a number from me; I replied per diem rate in general is at least 20% above the FT rate due to lack of benefits. I do believe there will be an increase, though I am quite doubtful it will be the 20%. Thoughts and personal experience with negotiation in this situation? Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polarbebe Posted August 6, 2014 Author Share Posted August 6, 2014 Just an update for any PAs in the NYC area... Spoke to the ED director today and was able to negotiate a 22% increase to $55/hr (still low compared to most places as I am aware) from $45/hr with the caveat that I work 6 shifts/month instead of my usual 3-4/month in the main ED. Some factors I am considering, less personal time and whether the wife will find this acceptable. On the other side, looks good being able to negotiate a large increase and helps increase compensation at all future positions. Continued work in the main ED dealing with acute cases in the NYC metro area is very uncommon; excellent work and learning experience with supportive physicians. As an aside, last week one of my classmates, was offered $37/hr as a FT medicine PA at the same hospital (also 5 years working)... obviously an insulting offer. This hospital has low compensation in general. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
polarbebe Posted August 15, 2014 Author Share Posted August 15, 2014 Recently met again with the ED director, expressed that my increase was well deserved (also understanding that the per diem rate is below average) but due to management/union issues was forced to rescind the offer. When asked, there was a mention of a tiered compensation based on years of PA experience but won't hit the next tier until I reach six calender years of experience. Interesting learning experience in negotiations, particularly in dealing with hospital/union contractual terms. I won't go into the details of this public forum (also still employed there)... but it is possible (though likely quite uncommon) and may entail management being "creative." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paula Posted August 16, 2014 Share Posted August 16, 2014 What do the union people make? This is a down-side of a union....they control your salary. Yuk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator EMEDPA Posted August 16, 2014 Moderator Share Posted August 16, 2014 check all the places in NYC that have PA residencies. they probably have PAs in main. Presby, Montefiore, Staten island hospital, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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