Should I ask Questions? Need Advice Fast!

[FutureRN_NP]

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.

[jjjoy, LPN]

My experience with a nursing home was that there wasn't really a "HR" department at the facility such as that found in a large hospital. There was some central office somewhere else that dealt with benefits and the like, but the staff in the nursing home adminstrative office (all 2 of them) really didn't really say much at all and seemed to discourage questions. Orientation was just me, not a whole group of new hires to different departments. If some of those safety videos aren't boring enough in a group, try staying awake watching them alone in a closet-size room!

You definitely should be getting paid for orientation. It's not unusual for nursing homes to have VERY short orientation periods, even for the inexperienced... like 3 days. If you can get more, take them!