Unpaid New Grad training program...

U.S.A. California

Published

Hey everyone, so I'm being offered a job through Sutter Health affiliate hospital and I've been told that they've changed the New Grad programs to being 3 months of unpaid training. I will be treated as an employee while I work, but just not get paid. I won't be contracted with the hospital at this time, and if I decided I wanted to leave, I can. But if I stay throught the whole training, I will be offered a full time position. I was told that this was the way Sutter decided to do things to save themselves money from training New Grads and then them leaving after they get their year experience.

I am grateful for having this job offer, just somewhat shocked at the no pay thing. Has any of you heard of this before? And what are your thoughts?

that's really bad... what about any nursing homes??? you will get the experience and apply later on... i heard nursing homes give decent pay for nurses... i don't know if i would be able to work without pay... also you need to consider any liabilities that come with it... goodluck!

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

It is so difficult to get into new grad programs now, and the opportunity often doesn't arise later. I'd hate to say it, but I'd at least consider it. I guess I should consider myself incredibly lucky, they pay us full pay where I am training, and we get a bonus at 3 months, 6 months and a year.

I would definitely want to know all the liability that they expect, since you are unpaid though.

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I agree... in this economy... I would take it in a second. However, I too would make sure that you knew what would happen if you got hurt or exposed... all of that - and TRUST ME...having worked in the corporate world for 20 years... GET THE JOB 'PROMISE' IN WRITING...

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Sutter doesn't want to invest in new grad training only to lose a nurse in less than a year. So why not have the new grad sign a contract for a fixed period of time that spells out terms of employment, salary, and penalties for breach?

I think we all know the answer to that.

Just say no. If you decide now that giving away your labor and knowledge for three months is a small price to pay for a job, you're sending a message about what you're worth. Med school grads and pharmacists do not work for free as interns. Why should you?

P.S. Does anyone know if the California Nurses Association is aware of this? I bet they'd have something to say about free labor being used to displaced paid nurses.

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How do you pay your bills with air? :cry::banghead::down:

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Specializes in Psych..

I graduated in May and am still looking for a job.

That said, there is absolutely no way I would take a position that would ask me to train and work for no pay at all for three months.

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I wouldn't accept it under no circumstances, my bills aren't going to be on hold for 3 months. The hospital is wanting all this dedication but yet you're not going to be compensated for all your hard work. They obviously don't feel that you're worth enough to pay for all your hard work. I'd find some place else to work. There is nothing worth adding on stress of unpaid bills while you're working for free.

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After reading this tread, I job searched other industries and you would not believe the amount of positions that list "internship" or "temporary" or "trial" positions! It's not just in nursing, it's the corporations who try to get the most for least. Sickening. :trout:

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I would also say to take it. Good experience and a guaranteed job in three months.. as apposed to still looking and maybe in three months still not having a job? If you can afford to do it I would say go for it.

The job is not guaranteed. Would you still take it?

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