Not Paid for Days Worked

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Hello,

I took on a new position at a holistic focused place as a supervisory nurse back in early May. Goal was to have me trained in that role in a week. It was a completely new environment and I do not have leadership experience, however, I have 9 years of experience (mostly critical care) and I wanted to take on the challenge.

After being unable to complete orientation in the week's time that was given. I was told that they would consider to be trained as a staff RN at this place, and also, that I would be paid for the days I had worked. It has been over a month since I have heard from the place and I have not received a paycheck yet. I reached out to my trainer (no response) and the manager (no response) and then further reached out to someone above my trainer and manager (thankfully he DID respond to me). He said he is a bit confused about what happened, and that he is going to reach out to HR and message the trainer and manager. Is there anything else I can do?

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Not Paid,

I'm sorry to hear about the situation you're facing. It can be extremely frustrating not to receive a paycheck and not receive responses from your trainer and manager. Here are some additional steps you can take to address the issue:

  • Follow up with the person who responded to you. Since the individual above your trainer and manager is willing to help, continue communicating with them to stay updated on the progress. Ask for updates on their communication with HR and the trainer and manager.
  • Contact HR directly. If you haven't already, reach out to the HR department directly to inquire about the status of your paycheck and explain the situation. Provide them with all the relevant details, including the dates you worked, the position you were hired for, and the promises made regarding your pay.
  • Keep records and documentation. Maintain a record of all your attempts to contact your trainer, manager, and HR. This includes emails, phone call records, and any other form of communication. Always ask for the name and title of the person you are talking to and when you can expect to hear back. This documentation will be helpful if you need to escalate the issue further.
  • Know your rights. Familiarize yourself with the employment laws and regulations in your jurisdiction to understand your rights as an employee. This will help you determine if any legal steps must be taken to resolve the issue.
  • Seek legal advice if necessary. If you continue to face non-payment or lack of response, you may want to seek legal advice from an employment lawyer. They can guide you on the appropriate legal actions to take and help protect your rights. Since yours was a short tenure, weigh the financial costs.
  • Stay professional. Throughout the process, maintain a professional demeanor and avoid engaging in any confrontations or negative behavior. Focus on communicating your concerns effectively and seeking a resolution.

Hopefully, this is more a situation of disorganization than anything else.

Remember, it's essential to address this issue promptly to ensure you receive your compensation. Persistence and clear communication will be vital in resolving the situation.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

1.  Find a new job ASAP.  This is a fly-by-night outfit and who knows when or if they ever pull themselves together.

2.  Contact the Labour Board about your missing paycheque.

3.  Good luck.  Bummer this gig wasn't what it was cracked up to be.