I got a job at a SNF today and did first day of orientation that they are saying be paid for (mostly lots of paperwork, watching videos). I work at another facility only 2 set days per week and this one I would be working 3 to 4.
At orientation we got a catalog of Nurse uniforms that we could order from and the amount would be deducted from our first paycheck or two. I have plenty of uniforms so I declined.
We also got a shoe catalog and were told that all nurses, CNA's and other staff must wear shoes from this particular catalog and brand. Mandatory and had to sign. The company will pay $35 towards any pair for the first year, and the balance will be deducted from our first paycheck. We must purchase yearly thereafter via the next catalog. Nothing in the catalog was $35 or less. Not allowed to purchase cheaper on Amazon or EBay. I now owe $30 and have not even started working there yet.
Our next orientation day is a "mandatory class" at one of their other facilities in another county next week about 40 miles away. This one will NOT be paid for. There is no certifications given that I can use at another job, it's just their particular company training class. I have to fill up my gas tank $35 for the 80 milesround trip in heavily traffic congested times in Los Angeles County. The entire 8 hour day is gone. To top it off it's on a day when I work at my other job, so I would have to call off and lose about $120 pay.
I will be in then be in the hole about $190, and haven't started working there yet.
There re is more.
I have to get my own TB and physical. I have no insurance yet so cost will amount to $110. Normally I wouldn't mind, but I just had yearly physical and TB for my other job 6 months ago and provided them with copies. This place requires a TB and physical to be done within 60 days prior to hire or within 7 days after hire.
Essentially i I will be in the hole $300, and I haven't started working there.
If a a company makes it mandatory that you to only wear a certain brand of shoes and only purchased through them, shouldn't they pay for it?
I can can understand paying for own TB test and physical, as I can use this to apply elsewhere. But I just had both about 6 months ago. If these are yearly they should be accepted.
Why is orientation or company class, etc not considered hours worked? I've never had that anywhere else.
I'm sorry to be pinching pennies here, but unfortunately i'm a single mom of two school aged children who is stressed out trying to make ends meet.
If I should bring up to management how do I do so? Thank you for any advice.
Those people running that hole are pigs. Stay the hell away from there. Contact the the DOL and the local news. Don't waste any more time thinking about working there... don't
Yes, just don't contact the news. If you do decide to stay there, just get a note from a doctor that you need certain shoes, which is insulting and should not be needed, but they can't very well deny a doctor's note. But you really would do better to just stop before you ever really start.
This place sounds like my daughter's first job at Taco Bell. She was ready to quit before she ever saw anything from a paycheck. Never heard of this in healthcare. One employer was going to provide two scrub tops that they would pay for, and we never saw those.
They have to pay you for the class. They also have to pay you mileage. The mileage from the facility to the orientation class. The amount mandated by the federal government. I'm not sure what the mileage is now. It fluctuates with gas prices.
As for the shoes, $30 is pretty cheap to be honest. You always want to take care of your feet while working. What would concern me is that they are so cheap. Most places mandate uniforms. If I order through the hospital vendor it's actually cheaper than going to a scrub shop. But you say you didn't buy any so no big deal.
But them not paying you for a class? 100% illegal.
Not paying for orientation is definitely 100% illegal. The company is not legally required to pay mileage though. If they don't, miles driven for work purposes such as this can be deducted on your taxes.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
They are required to pay you for work. They are not required to buy your uniforms but you can deduct them. My advice...run, not walk, to the nearest exit.
I'd call and speak to the DON and verify that it's unpaid, I'm pretty sure that's illegal.
I guess with the shoes I'd look at it like it's not uncommon to be required to wear non-slip shoes, and you'll likely not beable to find a pair for less than the 30 you paid.
As for not accepting the PPD and physical, I'd again ask the DON about accepting your paperwork or if they insist you get a PPD perhaps they could give it to you, that what my facility does.
If the DON confirms all of the above you need to let her know you've reconsidered.
I guess with the shoes I'd look at it like it's not uncommon to be required to wear non-slip shoes, and you'll likely not beable to find a pair for less than the 30 you paid.
If "non-slip" is everything that needed, Dr. Sholls from Walmart for $20 works pretty well.
On the other hand, shoes which give serious protection for ligaments go within $80 - 100 at least, not counting custom insoles and sleeves. And that sort of shoes cannot be brought from a catalogue. They are fitted individually for each customer and, if properly cared for, serve for years.
What the OP was offered is 100% cheap trash, and the DON was getting $5 or so from each pair thus sold. Just a local all-year-long forced fundraiser event. Not illegal per se, but not much better.
If I'm on my feet twelve hours a day, I'm picking my own shoes. Dealbreaker, right there.
And if its mandatory for me to be there, its mandatory for you to pay me. Call the Dept of Labor once you check for sure that they aren't paying you. Even if you resign, you'll be helping everyone else.
What a bunch. You've only started, so who knows what you'll find when you get into patient care.
Not a good place.
Kooky Korky, BSN, RN
5,216 Posts
Yes, just don't contact the news. If you do decide to stay there, just get a note from a doctor that you need certain shoes, which is insulting and should not be needed, but they can't very well deny a doctor's note. But you really would do better to just stop before you ever really start.