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!

[BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN]

O don't think it's that weird (but I've never worked in a Private practice). He is not part of a big system, so im assuming he can hire someone in whatever way he pleases (your submission on monster is considered an application, no?). If he's willing to let you try it out (and him "try you out") I see no harm in this. Its no secret that the doctor/nurse dynamic can be a weird one. It needs to be the right fit, from both perspectives. And if their business is not booming, they probably don't want to invest until they know they like you. I don't see that you've got anything to lose (except a day spent in this office).

[Asystole RN]

This situation is very familiar to me in other occupations but with the same context of small private business. Not being drug tested or working under the table for a short term is VERY common with small businesses.

My current facility, not so small but privately owned, does not drug test...at all. I have noticed that "shadowing" is becoming more popular in health care, in fact with my last job offer the DON insisted that I shadow for at least one shift to feel out the facility to see if I would like it. It soon became apparent that they were watching me as much as I watched them. Good practice IMHO.

Feel it out, see how you like it.

P.S.

I would not be quick to say that this MD is a jerk or hard to work with. He might just be a busy fellow with a growing business and might have specific requirements of his nurses, who knows.

[caliotter3]

There is someone that posts weird employment ads from time to time in my area too. I would avoid anything that seems weird like this. Sounds like a good way to get into some kind of trouble.

[Rob72, ASN, RN]

Since you aren't a FT/PT employee, I'm assuming they've told you that you'll need your own malpractice insurance...? Something to ask about.

[mappers]

This doesn't sound weird to me either. Small business, no HR department, an accountant doing the interviewing who may not be trained in HR. Working for a place like that is really different than working for a larger organization. They get to make their own rules up as long as it is within the law. It sounds like they are offering you a chance to try it out with pay and 1099 you if it doesn't work out. That is not illegal or "under the table.". And of they pay you less than $600 a year, they do not have to 1099 you. You still have to report it on your taxes though. I say try it out. If you don't quit your other job first, then there is very little risk for you.

[mazy]

What sounds weird is that they called your references without talking to you first. That indicates a lack of respect for boundaries, and I would be concerned about what else they're doing without your permision.

But it sounds from the other posters like that is common practice so that might just be me. I wouldn't take a position like that, but again, I'm easily creeped out -- have been burned a few times when I was trying to keep an open mind.

I guess it wouldn't hurt to do your own background check on the doc and the facility, maybe check his rep on healthgrades or one of those other sites -- not that they are the best source of info, but you can learn if the doc has been sanctioned, or what the buzz is.

I think you can also check his history by going into your state's Dept of Regulations website and looking at his license. That actually is open to the public.