Should I ask Questions? Need Advice Fast!

Airidis · Nov 4, 2011

I would just go up and say "I must have missed the part on my hourly wage and I don't want see see like I'm money hungry but how much do I make an hour during orientation and regular hours"

Always_Learning, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

If they haven't gone over base pay and benefits with you, they need to. Ask whoever hired you ("I'm really excited to be starting; would you have a few moments to outline the orientation process for me as well as starting pay and applicable benefits?") Congrats on your new job!

Vershonda · Nov 4, 2011

If you were told that orientation starts this day then you will be getting paid. All the benefits and other info is usually reviewed in orientation day 1. Asking questions is a right, so don't feel like you shouldn't ask. I'm pretty sure they will be covered but in case they are not ask them during orientation because others are wondering the same thing.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

I am a new grad that just got hired recently at a nursing home. I am scheduled to start my orientation but I just find it bizarre from the beginning. First, I wasn't told how much is the base pay (until I asked) or what benefits that come with it. The person (staffing manager) who hired me never told me if I am getting paid for orientation period either. Aren't they suppose to go over that with you during the paperwork process regardless? I am scared to ask because getting a job this day for a new grad is a blessing and I don't want them to feel like I am in it solely for the money, not the opportunity. Which I am in it for the opportunity, but also some pay to go along with it. Should I be asking if I get paid for orientation portion? Who besides the staffing manager who hired me should I talk to about all the benefits and pay? I do not want to alienated the person who hired me either. So what is the most constructive way approaching this issue? I am new to this so any advice and guidance are greatly appreciate it.

Call human resources.....

merlee · Nov 4, 2011

Did you receive a written confirmation of your appointment? It should have things like your start date and your base salary. It may state that your benefits package will be explained on your first day.

If you haven't received a letter, call human resources and ask those questions. Nothing wrong with wanting to get the info straight. And I have never heard of any place that expects you to orient without pay!

Best wishes!

FutureRN_NP · Nov 4, 2011

The first day I got the word I was hired, I asked the base salary. Then I went in yesterday for some papework but no one told me what is the base pay for orientation (different shift) or when we get paid on what they. So, are they going over this the first day of orientation then? On my previous non-nursing job, they would tell me up front on what I am entitled to and whatnot. Just kind of bizarre to me that is all.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

Base pay should be day shift rate; differentials are generally paid for evenings, nights, and/or weekends. :) You should ask during a break (HR or DON). I'm guessing there are non-nursing and others w/experience in the orientation? So they probably won't announce base pay in the class. You should get paid base rate for orientation; but ask :up:

FutureRN_NP · Nov 4, 2011

Did you receive a written confirmation of your appointment? It should have things like your start date and your base salary. It may state that your benefits package will be explained on your first day.
If you haven't received a letter, call human resources and ask those questions. Nothing wrong with wanting to get the info straight. And I have never heard of any place that expects you to orient without pay!
Best wishes!

No, I did not receive any confirmation letter. Orientation dates were discussed and agreed upon by me and the staff manager that was that. Nothing else! That's why I said bizarre indeed. Maybe I am in a different environment with different expectations? I don't know.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

They need to tell you what you need to know and if they don't, then you need to ask. If they won't tell you without any beating around the bush, run!

You're not working as a slave. You're working as an employee and have a right to know the details. Don't feel funny about asking. It's your right.

MomRN0913 · Nov 4, 2011

Asking how much you are making isn't making you look money hungry.

We didn't go to Nursing school to be volunteers, employers should understand we have lives and mouths to feed, mortgages to pay, clothes on our backs.....

I have learned you need to get ALL the details. i was just offered a job, it was a new position, so I learned from past experiences, I want all the details and i want them in writing! They are drafting an offer letter. It's not a bedside position, it's a little different, but however, this is info you really need to know.

My cousin was desperate to get out of the place she was working (not a nurse, shes an engineer) she took a new job, iwth only knowing her salary, but nothing about benefits or the company. She ended up realizing it was a crappy package and the work environment was not good at all. 6 months later she took another job, and fully researched everything before taking it.

It's OK to ask basic questions like salary. I wouldn't say "I don't want you to think I am in it for the money either"

Whispera, MSN, RN · Nov 4, 2011

I'm in nursing for the money. I want to make a decent income. I happen to love it too, but that's not my basic reason for doing it. I need to be able to pay bills. There's no shame in that.