Rotten deal or should I be happy I got it at all. New Grad position with strings.

New grad with an associate's degree in the Washington DC Metro area here. I got an offer to transition from a nursing assistant at the nursing home I've worked at for the last few years to a RN charge nurse position. Now the problem; human resources person just informed me that one of the conditions is getting paid at my CNA rate for 90 days of probation (half of what new grad RNs are supposed to make). If I successfully complete the 90 days my I get the backdated difference and if not successful I walk away with nothing. To my knowledge other people transitioning from CNAs to LPN or RN positions have not been subjected to this absurd demand. I have a week to decide weather to take the deal or not. I need the job but while getting paid. Fresh off the street grads are getting paid at regular rate why should I be punished for having worked there ? Is this a convoluted way of saying 'we don't want you here' ? My record as a CNA is spotless btw.

Does this happen elsewhere ? How do I negotiate to a deal just like the others.


I have never heard of a place doing this to a CNA or tech that becomes an LPN or RN at the same facility. I would look in your HR handbook to see if there is a written policy stating they can do this, and if not, ask them for documentation of how this is allowed. I'm sure you have bills and student loans and were probably looking forward to getting a nurse's salary when you start working as a nurse!
Sounds fishy to me also. If you work as a RN you should get RN pay. If it doesn't work out you get your 90 day RN pay and move on.
I've heard of this happening but only in the case of a new grad who has yet to take the NCLEX. A friend of mine worked at a facility where you could work as a graduate nurse but at CNA pay until you passed your NCLEX. Then you could receive the difference in pay after licensure. If you failed, then you were a CNA until you passed. I agree with PP who said to consult HR or you employee handbook.
This is illegal. Once you have your license in hand they must pay you at an RN rate They are trying to take advantage of you..
Unfortunately this is an employer's market, so they try to take as many liberties as they can. Is it fair and/or legal? Not always.Like others said, consult with HR to see if this is in writing. If it's not, IMO run far away. If it is...then it's up to you if you want to take this risk on.
In this tough economy just be happy you got an RN job. I'd work for free for 6 months if I got to work as an RN and have it count towards the almighty experience that every place wants so desperately.
It's not illegal and they can pay you whatever they like. I do wonder if it's alot to do with how funding for positions are allocated. Like there may not be funding for an RN position now but they want to get your trained and ready. Honestly as long as you get the full money in the end I would be ok with it.Better on the employed low road than the unemployed high road
when I went from LPN to RN I got a .25 raise! i had to change jobs before I made new grad wages. But I wouldn't have gotten the New job without the experience from the old job!!!! ....did that make sense?????
Quote from wishinguponastarLPNThis is illegal. Once you have your license in hand they must pay you at an RN rate They are trying to take advantage of you..
In my facility if you get promoted (no matter what you are promoted from/to) you work 90 days at your previous wage before you get a raise. That allows the facility to "try you out" before they buy. Great deal for them! Not the least bit illegal here. It's an "at will" state which supposedly means you can work without being in a union, but really means you work at the whim of the employer. They can fire you for anything or nothing, no consequences.I would accept but keep my options open and if you can find something better then just move on with no regrets. They aren't willing to treat you fairly, why should you give them any more consideration?
Quote from ItsaTwapNew grad with an associate's degree in the Washington DC Metro area here. I got an offer to transition from a nursing assistant at the nursing home I've worked at for the last few years to a RN charge nurse position. If I successfully complete the 90 days my I get the backdated difference and if not successful I walk away with nothing. My record as a CNA is spotless btw. How do I negotiate to a deal just like the others?