Getting overpaid. Should I tell payroll?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hey everyone. I am a student nurse for the summer at a summer camp, and just received my first paycheck. It seems like they are significantly overpaying me each week from our initial agreement. On one hand, I feel like I should tell payroll because they are probably going to realize their mistake eventually and be disappointed that I wasn't up front about it when the first paycheck came. On the other hand, I'm thinking maybe God just wants me to have some extra fun this summer, and of course I could put the money to good use! What should i do?!

Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

WWYMS?

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. What would your MAMA say??;)

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Specializes in Mental health, substance abuse, geriatrics, PCU.

As bad as what the economy is right now why is everyone so shocked by someone being tempted to not say anything about being overpaid?

I'll be honest, if I got a paycheck that was for too much, yes I would bring it to the attention of payroll, no I wouldn't cash it. But I'd be lying to myself if I wouldn't be tempted for a moment to just go about my day.

OP, you had a moment of doubt as far as what to do, the classic right versus wrong. Having that moment of doubt doesn't make you dishonest, a crappy future nurse, or a crappy person it simply makes you human.

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I'd be interested to know exactly what "significantly" overpaid means.

Are we talking an amount that no reasonable person would assume was correct reimbursement for duties done or are we talking 10-20% over the rate that was discussed?

Do you receive a written job offer outlining the agreement?

I'm trying to figure out the difference with this situation and the one from a couple days ago when someone asked about their husband being overpaid from the verbal agreement- I think he was being paid $32 vs $28 . It was almost unanimous to say nothing.

Just curious

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

I haven't read through all of the posts, but I will tell you a real life situation:

A friend of mine had this same thing happen to her. She did not review her pay stubs, but just trusted that her NM and payroll were correct in their compensation.

About 2 years later, she gets called into the NM's office. The NM told her that payroll had overpaid her by $7940.00 over the course of two years. HR was in the meeting as well, and told my friend that they would have to dock her pay to make up for the mistake. Now mind you, my friend is VERY outspoken. She was extremely unhappy about it, but she had no choice but to comply with having her pay "adjusted".

So in answer to your question: yes! I think you should contact payroll unless you are willing to have your pay docked for the next few pay periods.

My hubby just told me that in some states, there is a 30 day window in which payroll can adjust your pay, be it under or over payment. I don't know what the laws are in your state regarding this, but I personally would not take the gamble.

My friend was a scrub tech, and she was diligently saving money for her upcoming wedding. Her fiance had recently been laid off, so she was the sole bread-winner in the family. It destroyed her to know that she had to have her pay docked.

On a completely ethical note, I would most assuredly alert payroll to the mistake. This is honesty and integrity we are talking about here.

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Hey everyone. I am a student nurse for the summer at a summer camp, and just received my first paycheck. It seems like they are significantly overpaying me each week from our initial agreement. On one hand, I feel like I should tell payroll because they are probably going to realize their mistake eventually and be disappointed that I wasn't up front about it when the first paycheck came. On the other hand, I'm thinking maybe God just wants me to have some extra fun this summer, and of course I could put the money to good use! What should i do?!

How about bringing it up because it's the right thing to do, not because you are afraid you will get caught if you don't?

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As bad as what the economy is right now why is everyone so shocked by someone being tempted to not say anything about being overpaid?

I'll be honest, if I got a paycheck that was for too much, yes I would bring it to the attention of payroll, no I wouldn't cash it. But I'd be lying to myself if I wouldn't be tempted for a moment to just go about my day.

OP, you had a moment of doubt as far as what to do, the classic right versus wrong. Having that moment of doubt doesn't make you dishonest, a crappy future nurse, or a crappy person it simply makes you human.

I don't think anyone is "shocked" that anyone would be tempted, but after the initial temptation, most people don't need to take a poll on a public BB to know the right thing to do, and to do it.

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Specializes in Psychiatry.

I'm sure God wants me to be rich.

Maybe I should go rob a bank.... :confused:

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I should have been getting 500 per week. The check was for 800. Pretty significant...

To the nice people (like me!) who care and understand, I told the secretary I was overpaid and she fixed the error in the computer, and sadly will be taking the difference out of my next paycheck. But she told me that I was nice and thanked me for being honest! :nurse: Thank you for the advice!

To the people who are asking why I am even asking this question, please keep in mind that I am an indebted college student who enjoys going out with friends, would love to have his own bachelor pad and move out of mom's house, and also would love to go on a roadtrip at the end of this summer. Nothing special, just normal human things. I wanted some advice, so I went to an online forum for nurses, and am very satisfied with the results.

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Specializes in Mental Health; Medical-Surgical/Trauma.
Thank you voices of reason. I am going to inform the secretary on the way out today. But despite all the conscience cleanliness this action brings, it is still going to sting.

Glad to hear your'e going to do the ethical thing.

It may sting but it shouldn't very much as that was not your money in the first place. :coollook:

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Hey everyone. I am a student nurse for the summer at a summer camp, and just received my first paycheck. It seems like they are significantly overpaying me each week from our initial agreement. On one hand, I feel like I should tell payroll because they are probably going to realize their mistake eventually and be disappointed that I wasn't up front about it when the first paycheck came. On the other hand, I'm thinking maybe God just wants me to have some extra fun this summer, and of course I could put the money to good use! What should i do?!

Tell them because when they find out, they can take the overpayment back and it might come out of a single check which would be no fun for you.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

I would tell them ASAP because the odds are when they find the overpayment, they'll take back the extra money out of future paychecks without warning.

ETA: glad you told them and got it straightened out. At least you know the next check will be short and can prepare for it, instead of having a rude surprise at next payday.

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Specializes in Home Health.

Tell them before they figure it out and you are without a few paychecks while they pay themselves back. LOL

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