Am I Being "Exploited"?

RNGrammie · Oct 16, 2011

If you were hired as a Per Diem nurse then you probably won't receive benefits or be able to belong to the union. As a per diem nurse you can choose NOT to work 5 days a week. The company can't make you work 5 days. Or you CAN choose to work the 5 days...but no benefits.

If you're already doing a 5 day week, why not see if the company will change your status to full time employee?

LongislandRN23 · Oct 16, 2011

That's the thing they do not want to change my status to a full time employee because I am assuming they do not want to spend the money on paying for union benefits for me. I told them that if this is the situation and I will not be part of the union and will not be getting health benefits than logically I should be getting paid more money and hour. Of course that was also a no. I guess I'll just get the exppierience, and pray I dont get sick.

roser13, ASN, RN · Oct 16, 2011

The primary issue as I see it would be the fact that you took the position having been advised that you would be part of the union and receive health benefits (even though that's contrary to the usual concept of per diem). I would first approach the source of the erroneous information at your interview, and ask for clarification.

Then there's the fact that you don't have to work the 5 days weekly if you don't want. It all depends upon what you're willing to do. If you're willing to work for the same hourly wage as a full-time status employee and they get out of paying benefits, why wouldn't the employer do that?

In other words, they can only exploit you if you let them.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2011

Yeah, you're being screwed. You're a f/t employee sans bennies and without a per diem rate. Bluntly, I'd quit unless there's nothing else at all.

mazy · Oct 16, 2011

Union membership and health care benefits are two separate issues. Your employer cannot restrict your access to union representation, although it's in their best interests to convince you that you're not entitled to it.

Health care is another issue, but the union can also give you better information on that, since it's also in your employer's best interests to deny you access to health insurance -- probably the reason they've given you a PRN designation.

The union doesn't have anything to do with providing health insurance, your employer is responsible for that.

My suggestion is that you talk to a union representative about all of this, even if you are not right now a member. They can tell you what's what. If you are being exploited, they can help you figure this out.

Where I work, PRN staff can be union members.

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Oct 16, 2011

I agree speak to the Union, it is their interest to have you join. Most places you can only work so much per diem before you have to join the union.

MrChicagoRN, RN · Oct 16, 2011

The union doesn't have anything to do with providing health insurance, your employer is responsible for that.
My suggestion is that you talk to a union representative about all of this, even if you are not right now a member. They can tell you what's what. If you are being exploited, they can help you figure this out.
.

Not necessarily. When I was a teamster, all medical, dental, and retirement benefits were administered through by & through the union.

But yeah, she should definitely seek clarification from the union in this issue.

tyvin, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2011

You pay your own union dues in all cases I've known. The reason they're not hiring you full time is because of the health insurance and other related benefits. Per Diem are not covered by the union nor are they eligible for health insurance through the employer unless you live in a state where if you work over 20 hours the employer must offer a health insurance package. IMO you are being exploited according to true definition of the word. But you choose to be exploited and therefore have no legal recourse ... what they are doing is legal.

Now as far as your schedule goes I think you can basically make your own since you are in fact a per diem employee. I was in the same situation and did per diem for a year before they actually offered me a full time position.

nicurn001 · Oct 16, 2011

Get in contact with the union rep. Why ask your employer what you can do re. the union , obviously your employer will tell you what is in THEIR best interest . The contract will clarify whether you can be a member of the union , were I work per diems can be in the union .

Once you have clarified whether or not you can be in the union , the benefits issue will take care of it self ie. if covered by the contract you will get benefits . if you are not covered by the contract you are out of luck re. benefits .

This is a general observation , it intrigues me why nurses on these threads , so often say they go to their employer to find out about their union ( if their facility is unionized )rather than the union reps . Its like going to ask the fox how to keep the chickens safe .

CapeCodMermaid, RN · Oct 16, 2011

I've never worked in a place which didn't pay per diem people at a higher rate. You don't get benefits or a set s hedule so the perk is higher pay. It does seem that you are being taken advantage of. It's up to you how much you'll accept.

tyvin, BSN, RN · Oct 17, 2011

Find out who your union rep is and contact them inquiring about if per diems can join. In some places per diems are covered within the contract but I don't know the extent of it. It is the employer who is offering the health insurance as a fringe benefit so I don't know how the union could effect it other then making sure the work place does what it's suppose to do. By 2014 according to the new health care reform law all employers in all 50 states will be required to offer health insurance packages to all employees.