no contract job offer

core0 · May 24, 2018

OK... So I've been on the struggle bus trying to get a new grad NP job. I had an offer back in February and turned it down because of bad contract terms.
A couple weeks ago, I was offered another job and accepted it at a brand new facility. They sent me an offer letter with the basic information about salary and days off, etc. There are no mention of scheduling, or the benefits they discussed (medical, CME, etc) in the interview, or even which department I would be in.
The operations manager emailed me just to touch base and I asked her if there would be a formal contract and when they thought the facility would be open (they are still finishing construction).
She said that there is no formal contract. I'm a little surprised, and feel like I could get royally screwed, although if there is no contract they are not protected either.
Has anyone else taken a job without a contract??

Large organizations frequently do not contract. In our organization nobody has contracts including the physicians. The biggest reason is that it would be a nightmare to follow all these contracts. Generally the benefits are the same for everyone. The offer letter essentially serves as a contract (ie if there is a question on whether you are owed something). If the particulars such as CME are not in the organizational benefits then you need to get the offer letter updated to include this.

Trauma Columnist · May 25, 2018

Yep, no contract here at the private practice - hospital had a very restrictive contract.

travelRN555 · May 25, 2018

I'm just worried that if I'm on salary they can make me work a billion hours a week (the clinic will be open 24/7) or change up their medicial benefits Bc initially they said they wouldn't offer any, but then the medical director said they would have catastrophic and prescription coverage.

I'm so used to travel contracts that spell everything out.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · May 25, 2018

I'm just worried that if I'm on salary they can make me work a billion hours a week (the clinic will be open 24/7) or change up their medicial benefits Bc initially they said they wouldn't offer any, but then the medical director said they would have catastrophic and prescription coverage.
I'm so used to travel contracts that spell everything out.

I've only worked in large organizations (tertiary centers, teaching hospitals, and university hospitals). As core0 pointed out, benefits would fall under a group coverage in terms of health, dental, and vision. You should get the coverage peers of the same level would get. CME time, vacation and time off would have to be decided in the same manner. Yes, as a salaried employee, you may be asked to work extra and not get paid for that...that can be part of your negotiation if it concerns you. I've always worked as an hourly employee and it has worked to my advantage. I also belong to a union currently that does have a contract that includes salary based on seniority and length of time as a provider/nurse.