New grad will work for free

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Apr 21, 2009

THey won't let you work for free anywhere because of liability issues.

I private messaged you

cslxagRN · Apr 21, 2009

Hello Everyone,
I was recently let go from a critical care fellowship and totally blind-sided by it. My preceptor continually told me that I was doing great, but the management came up with some reasons to let me go (I charted wrong twice on some of the side rails/safety measures and some other minor issues). I think the real reason for them terminating me is that they are way over staffed right now, and I am the most expendable.
My dilemma now is finding a job (preferably in critical care) in this horrible job market. Is it possible to work for free while you gain experience? I would gladly offer to work without pay while I was being precepted and oriented to a new unit and then get hired on with pay after a few months. Is this ever done? It seems like hospitals would like it because they don't have the financial cost of training someone. I am definitely able to relocate. Any hiring managers out there reading this?

Me too! I can work for free to gain experience. I graduated in Dec 2008, and passed NCLEX-RN in Mar 2009. I am still looking for a job. :crying2:

John20 · Apr 21, 2009

Oh my! STOP, both of you! Large corporations (health care or otherwise) want workers to feel desperate and willing to do anything for work/experience. Thankfully Gonzo is right.

Don't ever give up leverage when dealing with potential employers. Management will lick their lips and trample you. If you are willing to relocate you will find a job that pays. I know places around here (Michigan) that are hiring. Good luck.

Cyn2school · Apr 21, 2009

If you want to give your skills away, consider a volunteering @ free clinic. At the very least, you should be able to get new names to add as references

PAERRN20 · Apr 21, 2009

I agree with above posters. Never never work for free in a hospital- you will still be held accountable, but you won't get any pay for it. Volunteering would be a great way to get some references as well as experience. Keep in mind though you will still be held accountable for your actions.

Have you considered LTC? I know going from critical care to LTC may be a huge jump, but it's a job, a paycheck, and experience. LTC always seems to be hiring. Best of luck.

Sparx28 · Apr 22, 2009

try texas...

sunshine0509 · Apr 22, 2009

I was thinking about doing the same thing- or putting it on the table. Not for free but for a much lower wage just to get those first few months in! I wonder if this could ever happen- and if anyone else was thinking about doing it.

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Apr 22, 2009

This is NOT the precendent that newbies should begin to set for employers. You're worth more than that. Could you imagine a trend like this going on, where hospitals know that they can get newbies to work for free because those newbies are fighting for an employment space anywhere just to get a toe in the door? Please, for you and your fellow coworkers, work for money or be a volunteer for free.

fiveofpeep · Apr 22, 2009

I agree. Im scared about finding a job but this is not a precedent we should be setting. It's like a slap to the face to all the strong nurses who fought for the little rights we have now. And, if you give them an inch I can see down the road us paying to work for them!