New Hire Help...

[Sweetlillove]

I am a newly licensed RN in New York and I am having a dilema. I was recently hired at a nursing home and rehab but things seem strange. they have asked me to volunteer one or two weeks of my orientation! During the interview I kept being told "I hope you are long term". Then as I left the interview other employees, as I was introduced, made similar remarks along the lines of are you the one that is going to stay.

Because I am a new nurse, and single mother who NEEDS to work, I accepted but now I regret it. I was told by my instructor that this is not common practice and they must have a high turn over rate. What if this place is not safe for me as a new nurse and then I worked for them for free! Another nurse 8 years in the field told me I should not have accepted that.

Yesterday was my first day and I went in at 7 am, I basically sat around for 3 hours because 2 RN's and 2 CNA's had called out. the night nurse was there until 930am, 2.5 hours past her shift trying to figure things out. Also there is no union and they have not even given a salary or benefit package.

what should I do? Is there any organization I can call to find out if this is right? Also you should know I attained this interview from a family friend that is also an RN supervisor in this nursing home, I do not want to let her down but I think she was not truthful or straight forward about the situation.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

[Sweetlillove, BSN, RN]

It is really discouraging because I had been applying and no call backs. This was too good to be true, but I am going to do as you all have suggested and just talk to them. Thank you!

[Sweetlillove, BSN, RN]

I know I should have know because she kept hinting at me staying long term because she always "helps" someone and they leave on them! I see why now. This has left a very unsettling feeling. In the meantime I am going to restart applying elsewhere.

[Sweetlillove, BSN, RN]

I would lose those weeks of unpaid then and it would not count as experience. How can a place do this to someone and expect to get away with it?

[RNfaster]

You might try contacting your state's labor board. Alert them of what is going on at this institution. If the institution does not pay you, advise them of that, too.

[compassionresearcher]

I know it's hard when you feel like there are few alternatives. Don't let feelings of desperation lead you to making bad decisions.

Is there a nursing professor from your alma mater that you could turn to for advice? Also, does your school have career services for recent graduates?

Training for free is not a good idea and probably against labor laws. Not to mention, you are representing your profession there. What if this became a trend?

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

I know it's hard when you feel like there are few alternatives. Don't let feelings of desperation lead you to making bad decisions.

Is there a nursing professor from your alma mater that you could turn to for advice? Also, does your school have career services for recent graduates?

Training for free is not a good idea and probably against labor laws. Not to mention, you are representing your profession there. What if this became a trend?

This is fitting for so many on these boards- the students who enroll in shady for-profit schools to avoid being waitlisted, and on and on and on.....

Good advice here OP.

[Wrench Party]

No nurse should ever work for free, unless he/she is specifically volunteering for MSF, the Red Cross, etc.

[RadiantLynneBSN]

Um...I'm still stuck at the agreement to work for free juncture. Please don't do it, agree to shadow & even assist during a shadow period. 1 day is beyond generous...and 4 hours sufficient. Next you stated: " Also there is no union and they have not even given a salary or benefit package.":writing:

I'm a new RN, BSN grad with first position in Critical Care. I understand the new grad place but that offer is ridiculously insulting in my opinion. Hoping for your career best.

[Sweetlillove, BSN, RN]

I am in a desperate position as most places are requiring bsn and rejecting my application. I am going to refuse yo volunteer, I knew I had a uneasy feeling about it the whole time.

[TriciaJ, RN]

I would lose those weeks of unpaid then and it would not count as experience. How can a place do this to someone and expect to get away with it?

They recruit hungry and naive new grads, that's how. They treat you like an indentured servant while trying to make you feel lucky to have a job. This whole situation is not passing the sniff test.

As for the friend who recommended you: either she didn't know what she was getting you into (so you should clue her in) or she's not really a friend.

[Sweetlillove, BSN, RN]

I am going to call her tomorrow. I think she knew and was not straight toward. I am going rk give her the benefit of the doubt and speak to her before o speak to HR. I know her only through my uncle and my father is behaving like I will looks like an ingrate. Thank you for the advice!

[Sweetlillove, BSN, RN]

Thank you for all the advice! You guys really solidified my feeling that this was wrong and I should advocate for myself. I am not good at any type of confrontation so any speaking tips/points would be appreciated!