Do you get paid for doing job orientation?

If I just show up for orientation at my new job and don't keep the job, will I still be paid?

• Im a new Grad RN and I graduated this past May. I live in a rural area and work is very scarce, hence the fact I haven't had any luck finding a job in almost 9 months time. Finally a long term care facility has given me the chance, unfortunately its a very undesirable place to work, it has a one star rating from the Dept of Health and Human Services and horrible reviews from family members of patients. The woman who interviewed me was nothing short of rude and degrading. She talked to me like I was a dog. She called me a week after she interviewed me on a wednesday afternoon and asked that I come in the following Tuesday to sign the papers and begin working. I agreed. Then out of the blue she called me this past friday at 4:45 PM and said she needed me in her office that night by 5:15 to sign the papers! I live 40 minutes away and my car had been rear ended and I have a neck injury. I couldn't have made it even if I drove a friends car because the distance and the time made it impossible and I had 0 warning in advance. I told her my car was in an accident and she did not believe me and said I was "on thin ice" and that I needed to be in her office Tuesday at 5:45 am to sign the papers and that she wasn't thrilled. Im a new grad, Im already nervous and anxious as it is! I want a job but I don't want to be treated like a dog, I want to go to the orientation and give things a try but to be honest Ive been up all night worried sick. will i get paid just to attend orientation?

• Answer:

  Orientation is job training. Legally, you HAVE to be paid if you've already accepted the job and are showing up in a required dress code for job orientation.