Do You Get Paid For Comprehensive New Grad Training?

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 6, 2010

It's really not a silly question -- and I am glad you asked it.

Typically, new grads are paid during such orientations. However, recently a few hospitals have begun offering such programs as "educational programs" and not as employment -- even asking the "student/orientee" to pay for the program. I've only heard of 1 hospital that has asked the new nurse to pay for the program -- but I have heard of many hospitals (including my own at one point) that required the person to sign a contract. The contract guaranteed that the orientee would work for that unit for a specified period of time after the training -- or else pay the hospital back for the training if the orientee resigned before the contract had been completed. There may be some other hospitals who pay orientees less while they are in such programs.

I recommend asking about the financial aspects as part of your interview. Don't begin with that question ... but if the information is not offered, ask if the hospital asks those participating in the training to sign a committment contract ... or whether there is a special "training wage" while the orientee participates in the training, etc. It's a perfectly legitimate question to ask -- and they should be quite willing to tell you that information.

twentytenRN · Mar 6, 2010

I've only heard of a few hospitals that offer these "internships" without pay but that certainly isn't the norm. Most of the time, if you are interviewing, you are interviewing for a position of employment and thus you are compensated by an hourly wage. If your program is a paid internship (which I suspect is the case) then it sounds like a very nice structured program. OR nursing has many facets that you need to learn and I don't think 9 months is too long. OB programs are generally 5-6 months at good facilities that really want to prepare their nurses to be successful, independent practicing nurses. I agree, asking about this up front right away isn't the best thing to do. I never discuss salary with the manager, it's always HR. Most managers don't even know the salaries offered for the positions and leave it to HR. I say go interview, inquire about the training and if you are considered an employee during the internship. If you get a call from HR with an offer, then talk about money/benefits/etc.

I also agree it's a good idea to inquire with HR after you receive an offer about a term of commitment after the internship ends. Some facilities that offer these lengthy internships will require signing a contract of up to 2 years after your internship ends. With the economy and a history of being "burned" by new nurses that just go to work for them for their internship and some experience and end up jumping ship early for another facility, they want to get a return on their investment. Hospitals pour a lot of time, money and resources into training new grads. I've heard figures ranging from $25,000-100,000 of "investment" into each new grad to train them properly. Hence a reason why new nurses have such a hard time securing employment and why many hospitals have done away with their internship programs! :eek:

:twocents:

Good luck! :up:

cakegirl · Mar 6, 2010

I knew everyone would give me great information, I really love this site! When I spoke with the recruiter she did mention that they are always concerned about losing their new trainees to a big well known hospital that is much closer to where I live. She didn't mention a contract, however I was thinking of bringing it up in the interview as a way to reassure her that I would be happy to stay at this hospital, even though it is alot farther to drive. Just to show I'm serious about wanting a spot in this program. I always wanted to get into the OR, and as a new grad I would just be amazed given the job market. Thank you for easing some of my anxiety so I can focus my energy on this interview. And have some excitment!!!:). I will definitely leave a post of how it all turns out.

Nurseinator · Mar 7, 2010

I beleive the hospital will pay your for the training part. But you may have to make a commitment to the hospital for X number of years. For example some hospitals will train you in certain speacialty areas such as critical care and in return they expect you to stay there for a minimum of 2 years.

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Mar 7, 2010

Hello Everyone while I read the discussions on Allnurses all the time this is my first time posting a question myself. I feel pretty silly asking this but I know you guys will help! I landed an interview for a 9 month OR new grad training program at a large hospital in my state. It's classroom, lab & working in the OR. It is listed as a full- time position on the website. My question is do they typically pay you while you do this type of program? I know new grads are paid for orientation which usually involves a classroom component but this seems a lot more intensive. I was just so excited to get the callback that I didn't really stop to think that I might not get paid until I finish training. I know I'll have a job at the end if I make it but it the mean time a can''t afford to go without a paycheck until then. I will so bummed if that is the case. However I would rather know going into the interview so I don't look like an idiot. If anyone has gone through one of these programs or has any thoughts please help. Thank you so much I always see so much good info on this site.

Yes, you will get paid. If you are going to be working a shift with a differential though, such as evenings, you won't see it until you are actually on that shift. But, I'm 99.9% sure you'll be paid during your orientation.

Any questions, concerns etc feel free to PM me..and congrats on the job! We need OR nurses, that's for sure.