New director is saying we don't get paid for taking "required classes" at the assisted living facility?

[felixthecat99]

I work at an assisted living facility. In the past, we were always paid for taking these required classes that the assisted living facility said we had to do. However, now we have a new Executive Director. This new one says we have to do all of these required classes. However, she said NO. We will not be getting paid for taking these "required classes". So how is it at your facility? If you take their required classes do you get paid or not? Thanks.

[JohnHood, BSN]

My thoughts are that if it's required for work, then the class is work and should be paid as such. The class should also be paid for. I would check and see if there is a policy.

 

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

As education is a WORK REQUIREMENT, need to get paid for all hours worked when hourly employee in most states.  Contact your local Wage and Hour office to confirm and file a complaint if not paid.

🙂

 

[Shannon Marie]

If its required to work in the facility it should be paid.

Send a copy of the memo to the state department of labor.

Cite wage theft
Ask for an investigation.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

Call your state labor board. In my state mandatory education must be paid.

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Unbelievable! And parents are expected to make childcare arrangements to attend these non-paid events on their days off?

It's either work or not. If attendance is mandatory, it's work.

If you are doing this for free, attendance is voluntary.

[HiddenAngels]

Wow, just sad.

I would do the trainings at work if you can, preferably during or after work without clocking out.  That way you are sure to get paid.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

If it's mandatory it's work. If it's work it must by law be paid. Put your foot down on this one. You can make the new Executive Director aware that this would be an illegal act without being rude about it. Be direct and factual if you feel comfortable enough to bring this up in person, or just print a copy of the relevant law and put it in the ED's mailbox if you prefer to remain anonymous. 

[Mrsexylegs]

JohnHood said:

My thoughts are that if it's required for work, then the class is work and should be paid as such. The class should also be paid for. I would check and see if there is a policy.

 

Exactly don't let they take advantage and make you work out of pocket or for free

Shannon Marie said:

If its required to work in the facility it should be paid.

Send a copy of the memo to the state department of labor.

Cite wage theft
Ask for an investigation.

And check the job boards to see if a new nursing director position opens up at the facility shortly 😆 

[Robmoo, ADN, BSN, RN]

It is going to depend upon the labor laws in your state.  If it is a BON requirement then you are probably stuck doing it on your own.  If it is required by your facility, then it is likely on their dime.  It Texas one can file a complaint with the Texas Work Force Commision.  I've heard of nurses saving up and documenting pay irregularities to file the complaints after they leave for another job in order to avoid retaliation.  Depending on the laws in your state, that employer could be on the hook for fines.  A consultation with a lawyer specializing in employment law is likely not very expensive.

[Teresa Tharan]

I can say that wherever I've worked as a DON or floor nurse, we were paid for all mandatory training in SNF & Assited Living. I suspect that they're all mandatory per State Guidelines depending on your specific states guidelines. I'm not sure how they're getting away with training mandations without compensation.  Would be a great question for your State's dept of Commerce , Bureau of Wage or your State's Labor Dept. You'd think with the Healthcare staffing crisis, they would compensate their staff and seriously, why wouldn't they? Unbelievable!

 

[colleen69]

Has the DON heard of the nursing shortage? Is that the goal ?  I worked for AL briefly, new DON came in with crazy ideas, disrespectful tone, started denying time off ..... within 60 days almost half the experienced staff resigned.  And, yes, then that DON was fired, very soon after. 

Most states and feds require that mandated training is required to be paid time.