First APN Job: Not Getting Paid For Hospital New Hire Orientation

[keepitsimplesilly]

I am starting a new job soon as an APN and its only my second job. I've been at my first job (as an RN) for 9.5 years, so I don't know if things have changed a lot since I started my first job.

I'm not sure if its because of COVID or if this is how the hospital always does things, but I am required to do a bunch of online modules to teach myself hospital policies, how to use the charting software, etc.

I remember with my current job, this training was done in person and I was paid for the time I spent doing it. But now that its online, I'm expected to do it at home before my official start date and I'm not being paid.

The modules are really time consuming. If it was something that could be done quickly I wouldn't question the fact that I'm not being paid, but considering the fact that it takes hours (and its mandatory) I'm wondering if its a little sketchy.

Again, its been so long, I don't know if this is just the new norm? Or is it because I am and APN (rather than RN like my first job)? Can anyone who has recently started a new job weigh in?

[babyNP., APRN]

I had to (and continue to do) modules yearly. But I have 2 hours per pay period of non clinical time built into my paycheck which covers things like this and going to meetings, credentialing, etc. Do you have anything like that in your contract?

[keepitsimplesilly]

4 hours ago, babyNP. said:

I had to (and continue to do) modules yearly. But I have 2 hours per pay period of non clinical time built into my paycheck which covers things like this and going to meetings, credentialing, etc. Do you have anything like that in your contract?

Thank you, unfortunately I will not have any non-clinical time built in to my paychecks.

[KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN]

Policies vary but computer self-taught modules are hardly ever (if ever at all) are paid exactly for the reason you noted: there are some people who can do it quickly and there are some who can't. And there is no ways to control or check if one really does the module or just keeps monitor at hands' length and moving cursor from time to time while doing whatever else.

I was always paid for in-person activities and never for virtual ones, although some of them (coding) could be converted into CE. In the future, you might have paid "CE hours", look for them in your contract, and possibly (not guaranteed) can incorporate some of that education into them.

P.S. this is not your "second job", it is your first job as APRN. You are considered all new and fresh and starting from square "0", doesn't matter how many years you were RN before.

[verene, MSN]

I had to do a bunch of online modules along side NEO for hospital orientation. It was considered paid time.

At *every* job I have worked (CNA to APRN) I have been paid for completing these kinds of online modules if they are mandated by my employer.

Currently I have the option (for annual requirements) to either fit them in during my work week, or to use some of my CME time to complete them from home. I have 5 paid days and up to $1500 in expenses each year for CME as part of my contract. Education completed via the hospital (e.g. attending a seminar run by the hospital) does not count towards this time - though I do need to find coverage if it will pull me away from my unit for 1/2 day or greater on one of my scheduled work days.

[chwcbesteph, RN]

I've always been paid for the time I spend on this type of training or education. I simply submit my hours to my direct supervisor as if they were expecting them. Never been an issue.

[FiremedicMike, RN, EMT-P]

Sure - if COVID wasn’t a thing and you were doing this in person, you’d be paid..

But let’s be honest, it’s online corporate training.. Grab a glass of wine (or bourbon), put on some Netflix, and click through the slides..

[Rnis, BSN, DNP, APRN, NP]

This is probably COVID related. You are probably salary? otherwise ask about compensation. during my first several weeks of orientation I often worked less than my 40 hours so it all kind of evened out when there were things I had to do at home. . Each year they make us go to some additional training in the evening. that stuff is never compensated and is just the price of being salary. There are definitely times when I leave early from work before and vacation or for an appointment.....it all works out. My rule of thumb is to make sure I'm being treated fairly but not to sweat the small stuff.

[DizzyJ DHSc PA-C]

I've had jobs require the completion of online training prior to my start date and never was paid. I had a job that required me to spend 2 full days, a so-called "weekend retreat", for orientation without pay. There is no harm in asking for pay, but be prepared when they say no. I was offered a job last year...was asked by the MD to come meet with him. Next I knew it we spent an hour reviewing billing/coding for free. They wanted me to spend 16 hours shadowing the current provider for free...then to top it off, they wanted me to take a reduced salary for a month. Told them I couldn't comply with all of those requests and was told "okay,we will terminate the credentialing process immediately". Weight the benefits of the job vs the risks of losing it. I've spent hours completing coursework and credentialing packets prior to starting a new job and have just accepted it as unpaid and moved on.

Assigned coursework after your start date, I wouldn't touch unless it was paid time.

[aok7, NP]

As a RN I would have only done modules at work or if paid. RN vs NP are generally a world away, professionally. I am salary now, have education stipend and days, and am expected to know what I am doing. I am in a specialty. LOL if I were paid for the hours upon joyful hours of ongoing education on my own I'd be rich. Anyway, a question/call I like to ask people who are considering NP as RNs. As providers completely responsible for patients, I am not thinking about tallying up time for reading journals, continuing education. I am, however, careful to be employed only with groups where if there is an in-service about policy or meeting, not only is it "work" hours (lunch usually), but they serve lunch, etc.

[gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN]

I was not paid for completion of modules. I believe a few years back we were. However, hospitals are scrambling to make profits so this does not suprise me.