Is this common in nursing facilites?

Nurses New Nurse

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Ortho, Subacute, Homecare, LTC.

So, I'm a new graduate (may 2011) and I finally have a job. I was recently hired at an ltc/subacute rehab facility for part-time work. I was told that we were going to be paid for 8 hours only per day.. meaning if we work, say, a 7-3 shift, run late and we end up having to finish up paperwork, we won't get paid for the extra time. One nurse told me she was 2 hours late because the day was crazy, and they didn't pay her. I think this is a bit shady myself, but maybe some of you have experienced it? I'm going to take what I can get for a job, it's been really hard finding one, but I'm considering keeping my options open.

Being on time is a part of being reliable. Being reliable is essential.

Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.
Being on time is a part of being reliable. Being reliable is essential.

Spoken by someone who is apparently a CNA and can leave at the end of their shift. I mean no disrespect, it's just VERY different. I have worked as both, and I'm not talking off the cuff here. Leaving with things undone/undocumented as a nurse may find yourself without a job and possibly a license.

What they are doing isn't legal in most places, unless you are salaried. In my state if you are a salaried worker you don't punch in or out (because that would leave a record of your time ;)) and are paid 8 hrs regardless. But in my state if you agree to a salaried position you understand this and accept it as the terms of your employment. It's part of the "benefits" of a "right to work" state.

My only advice is to not accept such a position, but I don't know how realistic that might be for you. Personally when I graduated I needed a job, and any sort of job was acceptable. There was little available and I am grateful I found a job that didn't take advantage of me at every turn. Hopefully you are in a position to continue looking to find something better.

ETA- I am reading the post from Brian again and wondering if the thinks you were running late TO work, instead of being 2 hours late LEAVING. Very different.

@ JenniferSews, lol, I apparently misunderstood the OP, my bad :). I'm feeling pretty dumb right now, but I got to admit it's funny that I read it and got a completely different meaning from the story than what was OP was actually talking about.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Ortho, Subacute, Homecare, LTC.

Sorry, if the post was misunderstood, I meant if you worked 7-3 and ended up staying until 5 to finish paperwork. I didn't mean arriving to work late.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Rehab.

I work in a similar facility and would definitely suggest keeping your options open! Definitely take the job for now, because 8 hours of pay is better than 0, even when you're working 10. Just stay really focused and try to get your work finished in 8 hours. It stinks because it might be a great place to work but they're having financial problems. Or maybe they're just not a good place to work for. Either way, keep your options open and keep applying everywhere. Not all places are like that!

If you are not salary, they have to pay you for time actually worked. The Labor Board should have a poster in the break room - and a number to call. If they refuse to give you permission to stay (and get paid) then make them sign a dated/timed note with the refusal- or call the labor board in front of them (true, you may lose a job- but unemployment is on YOUR side if the place isn't paying you for your work, and that's why they fire you). And go home. (just be sure essential stuff is done/charted....another reason to chart meds when given- not at the end of the shift, blood sugars, etc). If your replacement is there, you are not abandoning the patients- and you can leave word with your replacement to call you at home for any questions.

If you are not salary, get out of there ASAP.

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