Published Aug 10, 2008
redsnapper3333
18 Posts
I NEED SOME HELP, 3 WEEKS AGO I WAS OFFERED A TRAVEL LPN ASSIGNMENT THAT WAS A QUICK START, I WAS IN ONE STATE ON FRIDAY AND HAD TO BE IN ANOTHER STATE BY THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY IN ORDER TO START ON MONDAY. I TOLD THE RECRUITER THAT I DID NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO GET AN APT OR MOTEL AND I ALSO HAD MY DOG WITH ME, THAT I WOULD HAVE TO WAIT AT LEAST 3 WEEKS TO GET ENOUGH MONEY SAVED TO GET THERE. WELL, THE HOSPITAL WANTED ME THERE ON MONDAY AND THE RECRUITER STATES, "WE WILL SET YOU UP IN HOUSING AND FURNISH IT AND PAY YOUR PET DEPOSIT, DO NOT WORRY". I WAS TO BE PAID $37/HR, WELL, MY FIRST CHECK TOTAL WAS $733 AFTER TAXES FOR 40 HOURS..I THOUGHT, THIS DOES NOT LOOK RIGHT AT ALL. I CALLED MY RECRUITER AND HE SAYS "WE ARE CHARGING YOU $12/HR TO PUT YOU UP IN THE APT. WHEN YOU GET ENOUGH SAVED, YOU CAN GET THE APT IN YOUR NAME, WE WILL WASH OUR HANDS OF IT AND TAKE THE FURNITURE OUT, THEN YOU WILL BE PAID $37/HR AND GET A $3600/MO HOUSING SUBSIDY." NONE OF THIS IS ON MY CONTRACT..SHOULD I GET A LAWYER, GET OUT OF THIS CONTRACT OR WHAT? I AM OVER 3000 MILES FROM HOME AND AM STUCK...WHAT CAN I LEGALLY DO? HELP:yawn:
bagladyrn, RN
2,286 Posts
Take a good look at your contract. Does it say that the company will pay for the apartment? What does it say about payrate and what benefits are covered or deducted? "Set you up" in the apt. sounds more like they are advancing/making the arrangements for your apt. in order for you to be able to start the contract more quickly. What you understood when talking to the recruiter is irrelevant if it's not in writing in the contract. My company generally advances the pet deposit for me and then takes it out over several checks. This and other deductions and the dates it will be deducted and dates returned after the contract are spelled out in writing. (More than fair to my mind - the dog is my responsibility).
Having this hit you unexpectedly is harsh, but unfortunately not illegal, unless it is different in your WRITTEN contract. Take this as a lesson for your next contract - if it's not in the written contract, it's not enforceable!
Dixielee, BSN, RN
1,222 Posts
I have no advice as to what to do now, but I would never take a contract with that company again. A company that will put the pressure on you, make promises they don't keep and hide under the guise of a contract cannot be trusted, and will repeatedly do something underhanded.
Yes, we are bound by contracts, but I also stay away from folks who have shady reputations and do not honor their word.
angel4gramma
129 Posts
The money depends on the company. I get my hours one week and the stipen plus my hours the next week. Another company gave me both every week. What does your contract state.