Paying for fingerprint?

BabyLady, BSN, RN · May 3, 2011

HI. There is a home health agency interested in hiring me. I phone interviewed and the person who now wants me to go get fingerprinted and bring all my documentation to the office.
I have been fingerprinted twice. The first time I went to the local Sheriff's department and the deputy did not charge me any money. The second time, an employer sent me and they paid for it.
I am wanting to know if any other Michigan nurses are being asked to pay for their fingerprinting at the request of a hiring agency. I am not even sure I really want the job. I have not met anyone in person. I do not know what the pay is or this company. I tried to research them. All I found was their name and directions.
Just looking to see if this is starting to be common because they can pick. However, they found me on a site I had an ad posted. They have called me four times. They seem too desperate.
Just looking for anyone with a simiiar situation or story. Please no debates. That is not what this post is about.
Thanks for your time.
Sandi

This is what I would tell them.

"I have absolutely no problem meeting any background check requirements your agency would have, but I have to be honest in saying that I am not comfortable providing that much information to a potential employer when I have not been offered a position."

Seriously, that is WACKO that they want you to do all of that and you have not had an offer.

rmtocc · May 3, 2011

Well it is common for many employers to do this now on top of credit checks. I dont think we have much choice but to submit to it, BUT I think they should give you some info about THEM. I would ask them for info on their company so you can evaluate whether they will be a good fit for you.

BabyLady, BSN, RN · May 3, 2011

Well it is common for many employers to do this now on top of credit checks. I dont think we have much choice but to submit to it, BUT I think they should give you some info about THEM. I would ask them for info on their company so you can evaluate whether they will be a good fit for you.

The OP's situation is not common.

In 24 years, I have never, ever had an employer to ask for anything else other than the information that was already on my application, BEFORE a job offer was made.

So, for her to put in an application, them to call her back wanting fingerprints plus additional information without a firm offer?

Nope..not common at all.

nurse.sandi · May 3, 2011

This is what I would tell them.
"I have absolutely no problem meeting any background check requirements your agency would have, but I have to be honest in saying that I am not comfortable providing that much information to a potential employer when I have not been offered a position."
Seriously, that is WACKO that they want you to do all of that and you have not had an offer.

I thought the same thing. Thanks for the response.

nurse.sandi · May 3, 2011

Thanks for the response. The thing is I have not even applied. They just saw my ad. She could of looked my license up that is public info. I think they are trying to be cheap. She started with the physical being brought in and I was like look lady! if you want me to get a physical you need to send me to the clinic. I have no prob. doing that but $70 put out for fingerprinting by someone who does not have a job. Come on. Ouch.

:twocents:

nurse.sandi · May 3, 2011

Well it is common for many employers to do this now on top of credit checks. I dont think we have much choice but to submit to it, BUT I think they should give you some info about THEM. I would ask them for info on their company so you can evaluate whether they will be a good fit for you.

Thanks for the advice. I heard some nurses were getting credit check and that is another oh come on. For petes sake we are in MI!! LOL. What do they think...we are really doing that great anyway. I am not paying for anything but a TB test and that is because I am past due for one...I should be checked. When she calls again...which she prob. will I am going to tell her the same thing I did about the physical. If you want me to do that ...and you really want Me to work for you ...you need to pay. I need a job, yes, but I feel like she thinks I already accepted a job that I know nothing about but what they told me on the phone. How do I know they are truthful? Just a thought and probably another thread. Thanks everyone.

Sandi

BabyLady, BSN, RN · May 3, 2011

Thanks for the response. The thing is I have not even applied. They just saw my ad. She could of looked my license up that is public info. I think they are trying to be cheap. She started with the physical being brought in and I was like look lady! if you want me to get a physical you need to send me to the clinic. I have no prob. doing that but $70 put out for fingerprinting by someone who does not have a job. Come on. Ouch.

...oh, and in that same 24 years, I have NEVER heard of anyone paying for their own background check, physical, or any other expense associated with obtaining the job.

Yes, they are being cheap. If they cannot afford to background check their own people, then they are probably not paying squat anyway.

rmtocc · May 3, 2011

ahh well not applying and no offer are completely different! I wouldnt bother. Something is fishy...

nurse.sandi · May 3, 2011

Update: Have an interview Monday afternoon with a different company. Will give details when I get back as to what they are requesting. Thanks for the posts.

I viewed it the same way you posters did. I have been working in the hospital, so I was not sure if things have changed in home health care policies.

:yeah: :)