Do I get paid for orientation??

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2014

Most reputable, legitimate workplaces will pay employees for all the time that they spend on orientation.

Personally, I wouldn't work at any place that did not want to pay me for the orientation period unless I was desperate and on the verge of becoming homeless.

caliotter3 · Nov 8, 2014

Only way to find out for certain is to ask the employer, but all work is to be paid. I'll bet that is what your Labor Board would tell you. They are just saying that you have to work ten shifts with someone else looking over you before you are let loose on your own. Call them, or go in, and ask.

peachescna · Nov 8, 2014

Wowww thanks for clarifying this situation !!! )

Missingyou, CNA · Nov 8, 2014

ASK your employer!

You have a right and a responsibility to ask for clairfication on anything.

If I was told I had to work 10 shifts as orientation without pay. I would not accept the position.

There are other jobs out there.

By the way, you CAN quit and find a better agency. They are out there.

btw, it's not uncommon for them to not pay you for 4-8 hours of orientation....but 10 SHIFTS without pay is too much to ask, especially if you are ACTUALLY doing the work!

johndough · Nov 8, 2014

If you go to work, you should get paid.

There are a lot of agencies out there that won't pay CNA's/caregivers during orientation and training, which I think is unfair because they are taking your time. They probably don't pay during these times because they have a high turn over in employees. The employees just come and go because the management is bad. At least that is my opinion.

If you won't get paid for the first 10 shifts, I suggest you rethink about working for that agency. I would definitely not work for them.

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2014

You can file a wage claim online with you state department of labor. According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, you must be paid for any mandatory education and training.

Working ten shifts before you go on your own means that you will be paired with another CNA who will orient you to the work routine.

You should be paid the established weekend rate the same as everyone else.

You sound afraid of these people. Don't be. Make an appointment with your contact in human resources. Ask about the hourly rate for orientation and the hourly rate for working weekdays and weekends, evenings and nights. Ask her to write the hourly rates down for you if you did not receive an offer letter with this information.

I have to ask if English is your second language. Not judging.

Paws2people · Nov 9, 2014

Just ask your manager. That's the only way to know for sure. Write down all the questions you have before hand, that way they will be fresh in your memory while you are asking.

In the future I would find out all the details of the position (such as salary, weekend/holiday pay rate, benefits, orientation, etc) BEFORE you ACCEPT the job offer. That way you'll know if the job is a proper fit for you and the employer. Best of luck :smug:

Raven.poe · Nov 9, 2014

Peachescna it's funny we both in the same situation... u live in ny? N is this a job thru an agency?

NICUmiiki, DNP, NP · Dec 13, 2014

Make sure you get your wages in writing before you start.

verene, MSN · Dec 17, 2014

A reputable place will pay for orientation. Orientation at my facility means that a new hire is working as an extra staff person for the shift so that there is time for training, asking and answering of questions, and orienting to responsibilities for a particular shift. The orientation/trainee designation is for scheduling purposes, but payroll still will pay out the same wages. Once training is complete the new hire will be scheduled as regular staff and will not be an extra to the shift.