Background Check at First Interview? Should I go?

[nascentRN]

Sounds fishy, no? I don't know where else to put this, so I'll put it here since I'm in New Jersey. I just got off the phone with some recruiter for a social services staffing agency that places nurses in contract mental health positions. Mind you, I have been applying everywhere throughout Nj for two months with hardly a response. One of the staff members at a free clinic where I have been volunteering recommended that I contact this agency. She works in mental health at her real job, but does not know anyone personally at this staffing agency. But, she spoke to someone from this agency and they offered her a job. She said she wasn't looking because she already has the mental health gig, but thinking of me and trying to help, she asked them if they were looking for only experienced nurses. They said, not necessarily. So, she gave me their contact number. So, today, I called the agency and was thrilled that I got an interview. But, upon immediate reflection when I hung up the phone, this recruiter seemed a little too eager to get me in there. Within a minute of talking to her on the phone, she asked me to come in for an interview. She told me everything I'd need to bring, including resume, diploma, cpr card, drivers license and (and this is what really raised a red flag): a $27 dollar fee for a background check. First of all, isn't that a little inexpensive for a background check? Second of all, shouldn't they run the background check AFTER they decide to hire me? Is it normal practice for these contract staffing agencies to run a check at the first interview? Mind you, I have nothing in my background to hide from anyone. It's just that this seems to me like a great way to make a lot of money: interview a couple hundred people a week and collect 30 bucks a pop-- sounds like a great business. A search for this company on the New Jersey better business bureau website turns up nothing. Am I just being paranoid or am I just not that stupid? The thing is this: I'm in such a vulnerable position being unable to find gainful employment that I am ripe for being scammed. I am almost willing to entirely ignore this. Should I go to this interview? I can afford to lose 27 bucks, but not my identity (SSN), you know? I'd appreciate any advice. Thank you for reading.

[lee1]

I think that the problems that surfaced after the Cullen affair have heightened awareness for hospitals. These issues have resulted now in background checks for everyone. My hospital has done them for all employees and you had to give them consent. Look at the fingerprinting that is required now also to get your license renewed if you had not had it done prior. Teachers have had to do this for years.

Look at the kind of people who are hired for the low paying jobs in hospitals----dietary, housekeeping, etc. Some are surely GREAT, HONEST people, but WHO knows. In this day and age, background checks on everyone are needed. Look at the results of what happens to hospitals whose employees have had major problems, at the risks they have opened themselves up for. What other types of jobs give you the right to take care of people that are the most insecure point in their lives.

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

Background checks cost about $27 I dont think it is unreasonable. some of the hospitals I have applied to actually do the background check before interview but I must admit I have never been asked to pay for one

[MERRYWIDOW46]

I have been a nurse for decades. Most places have you complete the consent for background check at first meeting, they will not make an offer without that information and two references. I have worked for nursing agencies since 1978 and have NEVER been asked to pay for a background check. Hospitals, free standing surgery centers, long term care facilities, no one EVER requested me to pay for the check. Good Luck.