Aides "Auditioning" for a case/client without pay

[CabanaDay]

For the second time in as many months I've been asked to drive to a client's home to see if I would be a "good fit" for a case. We are not paid for this time regardless whether we are assigned to the case. The first time I was asked to transfer the client and assist with feeding.

I appreciate the need to see if a client and Aide are compatible. But the driving without mileage and work without pay seems unfair. Do all agencies do this?

[caliotter3]

Not all agencies do this. Most good agencies will pay for up to four hours, (usually two hours), of orientation to a case. If the case is complex, they might spring for eight or more hours of paid orientation. Some agencies pull that stunt of sending you without pay. However, if you are going just to talk with the family so they can see if they like you, and you are not being paid for orientation, DO NOT touch that patient. Without being paid, you have no legal grounds to do anything for or to the patient. I suggest you find a better agency.

[CabanaDay]

... if you are going just to talk with the family so they can see if they like you, and you are not being paid for orientation, DO NOT touch that patient.

I was asked by the RN doing the assessment/intake to do hands on assistance. She was present. How should I politely refuse in front of a potential/new client? Would something like, "M'am I'm not on the clock here" been appropriate? I mean she already knows I'm not being paid but she asks me anyway...