Grad in Dec, BLS expires in Jan - renew myself or will employer pay?

[Guest915876]

I graduate at the end of December but my BLS expires in January. Do employers pay for their new employees to renew their certifications or should I be trying to schedule my renewal prior to getting a job?

Thanks!

[AJJKRN]

I think it would depend on getting that job and what benefits the future employer provides.

If you don't have a job secure yet then schedule your BLS towards the end of the month and cancel in a reasonable timeframe if you end up getting a job that will cover it.

My employer pays for everything pretty much, it's awesome in that respect.

[llg, PhD, RN]

It probably depends on where you will work. At my hospital, BLS (Initial class or renewal as necessary) is included as part of orientation. But I am sure that is not true everywhere.

[Sour Lemon]

I graduate at the end of December but my BLS expires in January. Do employers pay for their new employees to renew their certifications or should I be trying to schedule my renewal prior to getting a job?

Thanks!

I've only worked in hospitals and the hospitals have always offered free classes. They were sometimes only scheduled once or twice a month, though ...so if I needed a renewal before the next class happen to come along, I was on my own.

If you expire in January and don't graduate until December, it might be better for you to get it taken care of on your own. Things move very slowly at this time of year as far as hiring goes, and you don't know who your employer will be or what they might offer (or not offer).

[ottersloveoysters]

I work at a huge hospital and I have to pay for my BLS.

[Meeshie]

Even if a hospital is going to pay for BLS - many will still require you to have it before you start. Chances are you're paying for it this time.

[NewEnglandRN16]

I had a similar dilemma. Hired in July with a start date in Aug, my BLS set to expire the same week I started. I renewed my own and will deduct on my taxes. My hospital offers a discount not pay the entire course.

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

Pay for your own renewal. I've never had an employer pay for BLS.

[HeySis, BSN, RN]

My employer required the BLS at hire but pays for my renewals now (along with my ACLS and PALS).

So if you could get hired before you expired, you might get it paid for... the one thing being, you are a new grad in December, but will still have to take your boards.

Some places will not hire before you've passed your NCLEX, some have new grad residency programs and will. You'll need to find that out. If you have to wait until you've passed your NCLEX then you'll have to renew.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

IMO, keep the BLS current, even if you have to pay out-of-pocket for it (and if you do, the cost may be a tax write-off: check with the IRS). Renewal courses are shorter and usually cheaper than the initial course, which is what you'd have to retake if you let your BLS lapse.

Also, as others have mentioned, many employers require BLS at time of hire--mine does. Do you really want to be overlooked for a new grad spot solely because you were holding out for them to pay for your BLS?

[DeeAngel]

They may or may not pay. This is going to vary with employers and they would be the only ones who could answer your question.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

Pay for it this time, in order for you to be more marketable.....in "most" hospitals, this would be the last time you pay

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