Published Jun 23, 2017
tampanurse2000
30 Posts
Hello fellow travelers, Okay so I have a question; If your agency requires you to take a pre-employment exam, after you signed a contract, and say their closest testing site is 40 miles away, would you go to that location. Mind you, total trip will be roughly 82 plus miles (many tolls), and the agency states they "may" reimburse for the drive. What would you do?
NedRN
1 Article; 5,782 Posts
Do you want the assignment?
Hello NedRN, yes very happily signed the contract-then agency/credentialist started requesting many "mandatory" items, tons of modules to be completed, and drive 82 plus miles for a urine drug screen. Many clinics and occupational testing sites closer to my hometown, and I'm willing to go to any of them for any tests.
Yes I want the assignment, but am not willing to drive to another town for one test. What happens if I do nothing related to the testing? I already signed the 13 week contract, and have spoken to my recruiter.
As the distance to their drug screen provider was not specifically in the contract, you certainly have sufficient cause to invalidate it. Most might consider that extreme but it is within your rights.
I'd be surprised if you cannot negotiate something you could agree to. I don't think there is an agency out there that does not have contracts with both Labcore and Quest and there is certainly one of those within ten miles of you (including many private docs or occupational health centers) I usually re If you have a long drive and are leaving several days before the assignment starts, your options expand exponentially. I've never had to venture more than four miles off my route getting tested on a cross country drive.
If none of that works for your agency, hit them again for expenses. I'd ask for forty dollars, which is merely break even on the actual cost of your drive to their preferred vendor.
The agency is looking at $5,000 or more gross profit margin if you perform on a thirteen week contract. They would be foolish to give that up over $40. Get it in writing, either the contract or an email.
Thanks so much for your response NedRN. Yes, I suggested this to the credentialist, however she states she talked to the vendor manager and no testing sites less than 40 miles are near my hometown. Nonsense! There is a Quest, Labcore in addition to other occupational testing sites within blocks of my home-I totally agree with you on that. I have until June 30th to take their test. I put this matter into my recruiters hands for resolution (I trust her), as this will be my fourth assignment with this agency. In the meantime, I will let the agency resolve it. Thanks.
They've already made 15 grand or more off of you. They would be nuts to lose such a proven cash cow. This seems like a small thing, but it is big to you. You might want to consider working for an agency (and frankly speaking, recruiter) that will appreciate you more and be less stupid.