Was offered a position in a very strange way...need some advise!

[PchezRN]

Hello All,

I was hoping to get some advise from some experienced RN's...I'm a fairly new RN who currently works at a skilled nursing facility and have been there for the last year now. I have been applying at different hospitals/physician offices in my area for about the last month, because everyone has told me "get your 1yr experience, and you can go anywhere". I have already determined skilled nursing is NOT my niche, and want to explore all of the wonderful options nursing has to offer.

Well, I was offered a position in a neurology office in a very strange way...I found this posting on Monster.com and applied via email with cover letter, resume, and professional references a couple of days ago. I received a call today about the position from a man who "claimed" to be the accountant/office manager for the practice. He pretty much gave me a phone interview, called some of my references prior to speaking with me, and then offered me to start next wednesday in the office...all without filling out an application, no background check, no drug-screen, nothing! He said they want to hire a couple of part-time RN's to work 1-2 days a week who will assist the physician and pretty much be with him along side him at all times (i'm guessing because of liability issues with being neuro, pain meds, etc.). He claims the doctor wants to get a feel for how the RN is in a working environment, and see if it will work for him. They will pay you for your services at the end of the day, and may put you on payroll at a later time (i'm assuming if the doctor likes you).

Now, I have decided if I take this job, I will keep my current position, seeing as how it's only part-time anyways. I cannot afford to just be working part-time, and I would be willing to work both if it works out. And if it doesn't, I still have a full-time job, and about $200 extra in my pocket for my time on that one day I show up to work.

My question is...does this seem a little strange to anyone? Maybe i'm just so used to the process of 2 interviews, application, drug screening, background investigation, license verification, orientation, etc. Has anyone ever been offered a position in such a way? Or is this something I should be leary about?

Any advise anyone could offer would be helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

It does seem weird- I'm wondering if the physician is difficult to work with, so they want you to essentially shadow and see if you're cut out for it before doing all the other stuff? IDK.

I worked for a flu clinic and the hiring process seemed weird to me too and I was nervous at first that it was a scam, especially since I'd applied to the job through craigslist. I googled the company and searched here and it seemed legit and ended up being a real thing, albeit not many hours. But I proceeded cautiously and didn't give them identity information until I was sure it was for real. I advise similar caution!

[PchezRN]

You know, I was wondering the same thing...if the MD is really tough to work with. I'm not sure exactly what i'll be doing there on the first day, but I was told he doens't currently have any RN's that work for him and he does all the work himself. His practice has only been open for 6 years, which I verified online, and he is also affiliated with one of the biggest hospitals in the area and his office is actually connected to the hospital itself. I don't know what to think??? I guess I just go and find out what it's all about, and like I said...if it doesn't work out...I still have my current job to fall back on. I was just curious as to how many people have been offered positions in strange ways like these before. Thanks for your advise!

[Blindsided]

I will really be interested to see how this goes. Please keep us posted. I used to work for a one doc clinic and loved it. I for one have always been a little afraid of Craig's List, but I'm a naturally cautious person. Hope it works out :)

[Teleflurry, DNP]

Sounds VERY sketchy - and illegal. Basically (under the table ) work that IRS can't tax - because they'll never know about it with you not being on payroll. Normally I'd be fresh and say ,"I love it when a man offers me a weird position" but for your safety this sounds WRONG all over.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

it seems very weird. i think i'd pass.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

Sounds VERY sketchy - and illegal. Basically (under the table ) work that IRS can't tax - because they'll never know about it with you not being on payroll. Normally I'd be fresh and say ,"I love it when a man offers me a weird position" but for your safety this sounds WRONG all over.

The OP could still file taxes, she would just have to pay at the end of the year, since none had been deducted from her pay. Alot like someone who is self employed.

[lillymom]

I am not a nurse but I have worked in a couple of clinics. The ones that I worked at did not have me fill out an application or do a drug test. I don't recall either one doing a credit check as well. I think it may be regional though.

There are also a lot of offices who want to try you out for a day to see how you will do although most will ask you to voulnteer instead of paying you. It doesn't sound odd to me at all but then again it may be regional.

[erroridiot]

Bad Boys!!!

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Well I'll say that I interviewed recently at a private practice where I was told I could not interview with the doc. The woman I spoke with said she would pick someone for him (she's not the wife). Then she proceeded to ask, "What do you know about medications?" I said, "Could you be more specific?" ROFLMAO. No ****. Apparently he is a problem child and the last RN quit. I told her that I would not consider the position unless I met with the doc. Sheesh. Another place: an RN told me that I would not speak with any of the 6 docs I would be triaging for (one at a time). I would converse via email with them. This as one walks by ... again, ***. No can do honey. What are ya a stepford wife? She told me she had worked for the group for many years and never really talks with them.

[PchezRN]

Well, it sounded to me like they pay you if you don't work out, and whether it's under the table, or by check with a 1099 at the end of the year...idk? But if they like you, then they will add you to payroll. I am going to ask all of these questions when I go. I figure it won't hurt to at least check it out. I'd like to think I have a very good intuition...and if it seems fishy when I go in and learn more about the position...i'm outta there. I'm worried that the doc is "not so nice" to put lightly lol, and wondering if he has a hard time keeping staff. I'm just glad I already have a full-time position elsewhere just incase this is not kosher. And even though there is a fine line between love/hate at my job, I will just deal with it until something comes my way...eventually something will...i'm optimistic! :) I really want to work in the hospital...that is my ultimate hope. I guess good things come to those who wait! I will post back after Wednesday to update how it went. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

[Jolie, BSN]

The OP could still file taxes, she would just have to pay at the end of the year, since none had been deducted from her pay. Alot like someone who is self employed.

Regardless of whether one works as an employee or as an independent contractor paying her own taxes, the employer is obligated by federal law to verify that a prospective worker is legally allowed to work in the US. This involves paperwork (I-9) documenting the worker's SSN, citizenship or green card.

I doubt that the practice is trying to hide illegal alien workers. I assume that they are hesitant to complete paperwork until they have reason to believe that the worker is going to stick around. As a business owner, I can attest that it is a pain in the orifice to have to keep file after file of paperwork for employees whose tenure is very brief.

But it is still illegal to allow anyone to work without first verifying this information. If this practice is ducking the law on a simple issue like this, I wonder what else they are lax about.

I also assume that this is driven by a difficult physician who chases away employee after employee. Not worth your time, IMO.