Shorted $800 on my first check as a GN

Published

Specializes in med-surg/or/ambulatory/geriatric psyc.

Well, I just got my first GN check, and it was $800 short. I was guaranteed PRN wages as a "scheduled" PRN, but when I recieved my check, I got the same pay as though I was getting benefits, but with no benefits. When I called my DON, she stated that I should have given my preference of "PRN" to her in writing, although we talked about it on the phone and she told me that if I ever decided to change to getting benefits if I need the insurance down the road, to just let her know. When I talked to a House Supervisor about it, I was told the DON "forgot" to turn in the paperwork, so instead of admitting she made a mistake and make it right, she pushed the blame off on me and I am out the $800. I don't know where else to go, except give her a letter stating I want PRN wages and eat the $800 loss. It seems like you can't trust anyone anymore..........not even a fellow nurse.:no:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

I find it odd that this is your DON's responsibility and not a qualified HR department. Do you have an HR department to bring this up to?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

3 lessons here:

1.) Get everything in writing, especially job offers and terms of employment such as benefits, pay, vacation, etc.

2.) They owe you the money, and won't pay it unless you persist. Write a courteous, professional letter to your manager, DON, and head or Human Resources (keeping a copy for yourself) explaining that you fully expect that this "error" will be corrected promptly. It is NOT reasonable to expect you to wait until your next check (probably 2 weeks away) to be paid a substantial amount of money that is owed you.

3.) Don't give up so easily, or you will be "marked" as a doormat for the duration of your employment.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in public health, heme/onc, research.

They do owe you the money. You probably need to go through HR to get everything straightened out. Make copies of everything. I just started as a RN in January. I was quoted one payrate during my interview, but paid a lower rate on my check. It took 2 months for HR to finally address it and they did pay me retro. Did you have to sign a hire letter? If so, did that have your PRN status noted? Hope you get everything straightened out soon.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Geez:eek:, sorry to hear this kinda thing happens. Thanks for sharing, it makes me wiser. Also, good advice from replies !

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Home Health.

I agree with all the posters. When I was due my yearly raise, the start-pay was raised and I didnt get my raise. I was then making the same amount as if I was a new hire and I had been there a few years. I questioned it, was told that I wouldnt get it due to the start-pay raise. I just went up the chain of command. It took me a few months to get it, but I got it and also got retro pay. I would NOT allow them to keep my hard-earned money, whether it be $10 or $100. You earned it. My HR dept didnt help me, I went to the DON. But in your case, the DON is the problem. I would be very assertive, professional and not ASK, but TELL her that you expect your pay. Please let us know how this turns out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i also am learning after 8years of nursing that u have to put everything writing no matter what it is. the higher people will screw u in the long run because they are going to cover up there mistakes no matter what to keep there job. always remember there is nobody looking out for u except for yourself and u can't let them get over you

Up Vote Up Vote ×
3 lessons here:

1.) Get everything in writing, especially job offers and terms of employment such as benefits, pay, vacation, etc.

2.) They owe you the money, and won't pay it unless you persist. Write a courteous, professional letter to your manager, DON, and head or Human Resources (keeping a copy for yourself) explaining that you fully expect that this "error" will be corrected promptly. It is NOT reasonable to expect you to wait until your next check (probably 2 weeks away) to be paid a substantial amount of money that is owed you.

3.) Don't give up so easily, or you will be "marked" as a doormat for the duration of your employment.

Good luck!

YES!! YES!! YES!! How you handle this situation will set the tone of your future with this employer. Allow them to rip you off and treat you poorly and get ready for more of it. Write the letters as advised and don't be afraid to follow up. They owe you the money and they know it. Don't let them intimidate you. And remember if they were shorted $800 they would fight it too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am sorry to hear that the excitement of your first pay check had to be dampered by such a big financial error.

However, Congrats on making it to this point that you are an actual employed nurse who is arguing over her pay check.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER.

1.) Get everything in writing

How true and necessary.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You say you did not get the benefits. If there is no VAC time, sick time, insurance, or etc. reflected on the pay stub, then they did not forget. They just darn well did not pay you and clearly they owe you money. Red flag that DON is blaming you. She could say, "I will check into it. There must be a misunderstanding." "I will sort this out. Let's put into writing exactly what it is you want." Instead she blames you. Were you ever given anything to sign. A proper employer would have given you the correct paperwork. Get the money and RUN!!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med-surg/or/ambulatory/geriatric psyc.

This hospital is very small, approx 33 med-surg beds, so I am not sure about human resources, but I am going in tomorrow to find someone to talk to about it. I just do not want to be labled a "trouble-maker", I need this job. I have typed a letter stating that the DON and I discussed this on the phone, and that she stated that I was going to recieve PRN wages and I am giving a copy of it to personnel. Eventually I want to be a traveling nurse, so perhaps this is a good lesson for me to learn that I need to make sure everything is in writing..........not just rely on someone's word.......I can tend to be gullible sometimes. I will keep you all posted on what happens tomorrow when I approach personnel about it-but I believe this DON is the "last stop" due to it being such a small facility. She does the hiring and firing........

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion