[LTC LPN 2006]

I started my first job in nursing just over 3 months ago and was just eager to be employed and failed to ask many of the important questions about my benifets. I'm going out to look for another job today and I'm so nervous. What are some things you regret not asking about before taking a job or things you were glad you asked? Any tips on job hunting would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

[starlingcv]

Originally Posted by LTC LPN 2006

I started my first job in nursing just over 3 months ago and was just eager to be employed and failed to ask many of the important questions about my benifets. I'm going out to look for another job today and I'm so nervous. What are some things you regret not asking about before taking a job or things you were glad you asked? Any tips on job hunting would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

If you dont mind me asking, what is wrong with your benefits?

[LTC LPN 2006]

Its more than just the benefits that are frustrating me... but about them:
My facility doesn't give you any benefits until after 3 months.. this includes holiday pay. Luckily I was just barely over 3 months when I worked New Year's Day. I'm not sure if it is common, but would be nice if they informed new staff of such rules.
I work night shift and they are completely goofy with that as well... my weekend is Sat at 11pm and Sun at 11pm and Holiday pay is only for the day you come in that is a holiday at 11pm. So when I worked x-mas eve I worked 1 hr of x-mas eve and 7 hrs of x-mas day but non of it counts for holiday pay. They don't pay for very many holidays at all. I suppose it evened out when I came in at 11pm on New Year's Day (when the holiday is basically over) but got paid holiday pay the whole shift.
They are just really frustrating me because they are not upfront or honest with me. I've been told for over 2 months that they'd move me to day shift but then they moved someone else instead. Working night shift I seem to be forgotten about and passed over since it is the least desirable shift.
I still have no idea how much vacation time, sick pay, etc. I get. Never managed to ask and don't care at this point because I plan to quit as soon as I find a new job.
They also didn't tell me anything about insurance so I went in on the exact day that I was employed 3 months, filled out all the paperwork and then they told me it would probably be another month and a half before the insurance would start because of the holidays and the fact that it has to start on the 1st of a month.

[hsieh]

make sure you dress in a suit for the interview. you can go to internet job site like monster dot com and it will tell you good answers for interview question or other web sites for practicing a nursing job interview. it's not "cheating" if your told how to answer because some queations they ask catch you off guard and you need an answer.

[starlingcv]

Are you under a Hospital, Nusing Home, Private Care, etc...?


Sorry for asking so many questions, I am trying to gather more info for a well defined reply.

[hppygr8ful]

The biggest thing I learned when interviewing a perspective employer is to always get an offer in writing. If you still have questions you can ask them based on what you've been told in the letter. Any reputable employer will do this for you - no questions asked.

PS it's not unusual to have to get through a 90 day probation before benefits kick in. Nor is it unusual for those benefits to go into effect on the first day of the month following your sign-up.

The whole holiday thing you describe sounds kind of screwy.

Make a list of the things you want to know about that employer and when the interviewr asks "Do you have any questions?" use that list - it's really easy to get flustered during an interview.

The other thing about an offer in writing is that it gives you a day or so to think over the job. Also it will clearly describe your job description, what your benefits are etc.....

PS even if you are going to spend you shifts in scrubs always dress in a professional manner for an interview - males: slacks dress shirt and a tie; Females; suit with either slacks or a skirt. If you are wearing a skirt wear hose. Hair should be clean and neat etc.

Peace and Namaste

Hppy

[LTC LPN 2006]

I work in a nursing home and intend to apply to other nursing homes.

I understand the whole 3 month thing is common, however I never heard it applied to holiday pay and when I went in on Dec. 19th I would have been ok hearing my benefits will go into effect Jan. 1st, but they told me Feb. 1st because they wouldn't have time to process and get $ out of my check in time. It was just frustrating, had I known I would have confronted them earlier, however I had a bad experience when I reminded my prior boss that it was time for my 3 month review and I got lectured to NEVER remind a boss, it is only acceptable after they forget, never before or on the day of.

Anyhow, I'm off to fill out applications, wish me luck!!!

[starlingcv]

Originally Posted by LTC LPN 2006

I work in a nursing home and intend to apply to other nursing homes.

I understand the whole 3 month thing is common, however I never heard it applied to holiday pay and when I went in on Dec. 19th I would have been ok hearing my benefits will go into effect Jan. 1st, but they told me Feb. 1st because they wouldn't have time to process and get $ out of my check in time. It was just frustrating, had I known I would have confronted them earlier, however I had a bad experience when I reminded my prior boss that it was time for my 3 month review and I got lectured to NEVER remind a boss, it is only acceptable after they forget, never before or on the day of.

Anyhow, I'm off to fill out applications, wish me luck!!!

Prayer indeed.

[Mom-n-More]

At my hospital we have a whole section of orientation dedicated to benefits so I was well versed in what my benefits were. Good luck with your new job hunt.