Last Minute Requirement Changes

[RNAvatar]

First time traveler and almost two weeks after I signed a NICU contract, I am now told that the hospital/agency is requiring me to be PALS certified. They want me to get that done in a week, although I start in two weeks. This was not what was required at the time of agreement, and I am not ready to try to find a PALS class and become certified. Has this happened to anyone before? I think it's very unfair for them to change the requirements after I have already signed the contract and found a place to rent, etc. Thoughts? What can I say? Do I just try to get it done? I'm not exactly sure what the consequences are if I don't, but I'm guessing I would be replaceable.

[NedRN]

If you don't meet minimum employment standards, the contract is void. Other than not working, not much will happen.

So everyone, especially you, should have known PALS was required. Did you really not understand that about NICU travel? So recruiters are non clinical and in any case are not focused on stuff like that unless asked. Either agency QA caught it prior to sending your credentials (they are not sent with your profile initially) or by the hospital even later (they may not check until the last minute assuming the agency has checked carefully).

[RNAvatar]

It was not a requirement at the time of contract. The agency just recently told me that the hospital is changing requirements for ALL hospital staff to become PALS certified, and that would include me. So, since I have a week to get this done, I decided to just find a class and study up. I was eventually wanting to get this certification...Up until yesterday, I didn't know I'd have to get it done in a week is all!

[NedRN]

Well, nice to know that it wasn't the agency at fault. Yup, definitely unfair, but you do have the option not to take the assignment as you no longer meet criteria.

One other thought here if you cannot make the deadline, you can find a class local to the assignment hospital, and ask if you can do it concurrently with the assignment.

[bayportsunny]

PALS is not a NICU requirement at MOST hospitals! If you are not out rent money, I would say adios!

[Argo]

Just get it. Ask if AHA is required, usually its only required for bls. Do it online in a few hours. Id post the link but a moderator would just delete it. Google online acls certification and you will find them. The cards you get are actually identical to the ones you get when you do the class in person.