Just venting here!

Published

Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

I really just need to get this off my chest. I recently was offered a position in the ER, and I'm very excited to start this new specialty. I was hesitant to take the position though, because my pay rate would be less than I currently make on a med-surg unit at my current hospital. I figured the experience was invaluable, so I'd be ok with taking a bit of a pay cut.

I get a call from HR the other day stating they are having issues contacting my first employer who is now out of business. They need to verify my dates of employment because that's the only way they determine pay at this hospital. I don't have my W2 with this company because it was so long ago, I never filed taxes because I never made enough money to have to file taxes with this company (I worked here while in high school, I didn't really understand the importance of W2 forms at the time). I don't know else I could prove I worked here. I was unable to contact anybody from the company. The HR lady accused me of lying on my application and told me to be more honest with future employers.:no: I was also told that my pay rate would decrease from what was on my offer letter. I'm shocked and upset. I told the woman in HR that I've never had issues with verifying employment in the past, but then again the company went out of business just a few months ago.

I still plan on taking the job (I don't know if they'll rescind the offer because they think I'm lying on my application), I've already served my two weeks at my prior full time job, I'm just irritated. I can't actually do anything about it at this point in time. Has anybody had this issue in the past?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Can you get a copy of your social security report? The one they send every few years? It lists all earnings for every year you worked so at least you could show them that..........

Can you get in touch with anyone else who worked at the company who cold verify your story for HR?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't understand how a job you held in high school would have any influence on your pay as a nurse, say at least 4-5 years later with your nursing education and previous RN experience?

Was the job even in healthcare?

I also don't know who would accuse someone of lying about a job they had in high school when they are applying for an RN position??

That's weird.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

I was a CNA in afly by night home health agency for two years during high school. I wasn't able to get a report from social security. They only write those up after you're 25 years old. I was able to see that I earned money the years I started I worked on my application, but it didn't list work locations. :(

I'm over it now. With the shift differentials I'll still make the same as I made at my prior hospital job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in public health.

I don't get it. If you worked on the med-surg floor in the same hospital, why do they need proof of employment when you were in high school?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

Different hospital

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You can get your wage and income statement online for free on the IRS website (Get Transcript). Have you tried that? That should definitely have your 1st employer information to verify that you worked there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Even if you did not file taxes, the employer would have reported your earnings to the IRS. Go onto the IRS website and request a transcript. As I recall, I paid a fee. Unfortunately, it took about four or six months for the IRS to pony up the requested transcripts. Even if you can't use the info at once, if you obtain this document, you can always keep it for future reference.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You can get an immediate online copy of the wage and income statement for free. I recently did this to verify employment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I wouldn't work anywhere that accused me of lying. Get your old job back and apply elsewhere if you want ER experience.

How were you a CNA in high school? You were certified? I thought one had to be 18(adult) to legally care for patients?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Med-surg.
I wouldn't work anywhere that accused me of lying. Get your old job back and apply elsewhere if you want ER experience.

How were you a CNA in high school? You were certified? I thought one had to be 18(adult) to legally care for patients?

Nope, trained at 16 and certified at 17.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Med-surg.
Even if you did not file taxes, the employer would have reported your earnings to the IRS. Go onto the IRS website and request a transcript. As I recall, I paid a fee. Unfortunately, it took about four or six months for the IRS to pony up the requested transcripts. Even if you can't use the info at once, if you obtain this document, you can always keep it for future reference.

Thank you. I've only been thinking short term, I'll get this info for the next job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion