I'm an RN who would work for Free

caliotter3 · Jul 28, 2010

Most hospitals would not do this because of the liability issues, not because there were any ethical problems with taking advantage of unemployed people.

MatthewMorgan · Jul 28, 2010

I think they've come up with a way to skirt liability.

see link below text for full article

Avoiding Liability For Unpaid Interns

Law360, New York (June 02, 2010) -- Once the exclusive domain of students, several recent

articles suggest that individuals decades removed from the classroom are now vying for

unpaid internships to enhance their competitive standing when searching for paid positions at

the same time that the Department of Labor is increasing its scrutiny of internships.[1]

While the recent press on internships has been helpful and informative, most of these articles

have not provided practical advice for avoiding liability. So, what can an employer offering

internships do to avoid potential liability?

In order to avoid misclassifying interns (which would trigger the Fair Labor Standards Act’s

minimum wage and overtime requirements), it is the Department of Labor’s position that the

internship must satisfy the criteria used to assess job training programs (in which case the

FLSA’s provisions do not apply). The Supreme Court established these criteria in Walling v.

Portland Terminal Co., 330 U.S. 148 (1947) more than a half-century ago in the context of a

training program for railroad workers.

http://www.omm.com/files/upload/RobertsonLaw360.pdf

lilypad2424 · Jul 28, 2010

"After looking for work for 7mo to no avail, I saw the Memorial Herman about not paying interns.

I would work for 8 weeks, for free with no problem that would give them enough time to decide if I was worth keeping.

So if you know of any Houston hospitals offering this, send me an email. "

Wow, I am so sorry you are having such a hard time finding a job! It's been 7 months???? Where have you applied?

MatthewMorgan · Jul 28, 2010

I think it's shorter to answer where have you not applied, and thats anything 60 miles from me for the the most part. Ive found 2 clinics today I forgot to look at.

lilypad2424 · Jul 28, 2010

Are you in Houston?

Try LTC facilities. Are you interested in home health?

I know it's frustrating b/c I too am having a hard time finding a job in a facility. Luckily I have been doing home health as an LVN for 2 years, and I am going to stay there until I find something. Just try not to get too down on yourself b/c that comes accross when you talk to people.

Look for career fairs, and actually go in with your resume and talk to HR. Hey, you WILL get a job. Remember you hit what you aim for.

indeed.com always has new posts, also.

Good Luck.

MatthewMorgan · Jul 29, 2010

Ive looked into the LTC's around me in pearland and along 288 but they all wanted exp nurses, they told me to come back when I get exp, "ok I'm going to get exp at a hosp so I can come back and work for ppl who didnt giv me a chance???" wow. I guess I could broaden my search.

Thanks for the advice, and i'll indeed check out indeed.com

I'm surprised you being an LVN hasn't gotten you an RN job.

lilypad2424 · Jul 29, 2010

I've had a few interviews, no word yet.

Try Devereaux. I did a clinical there. It may not be what you want, but it's a nice place and I they hire newbies.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2010

I've heard that Conroe Regional Medical Center is always in need of staff. However, this might be too far for you to reasonably travel. Did you apply at smaller hospitals such as Kindred or Healthsouth?

lilypad2424 · Jul 29, 2010

Thanks for the info! I applied online at Kindred, and I am considering Conroe, since the pickings are slim, I might have to make the drive :)

Trilldayz,RN BSN · Jul 31, 2010

MatthewMorgan: I'm so sorry for what you are going through! Have you considered possibly relocating out of Houston just temporarily?? I go to nursing school in south texas (but my home is in houston) and in places like Laredo, Eagle Pass, Mc Allen, etc. Are BEGGING DESPERATLY for RNs. And you will get a job without any problems. I know they will help with relocation expenses too, even in Abeline. Maybe you could work down here just temoprarily and get your experience and come back to Houston

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Aug 3, 2010

The last couple of graduating classes in McAllen have had a very hard time finding work in the valley. It's true that it used to be an almost sure job, but I don't know for sure if that's still the case. People I graduated with in McAllen in Oct 2009 still don't have jobs.