NEBDN Exam & GDC Reg - Should My Employer Pay?

[ukdentalnurse]

Hi All,

I'm new here, so hello

I'm a part-time dental nurse, and of course that means that I need to become GDC registered AND pass the NEBDN exams this year...or it's Tesco's for me!

My problems are time & money.

My employer is refusing to either fund my exams/registration. He is also refusing to release me during work hours to attend college.

I have a young daughter, and not a great deal of money. I can't really afford the fees or the child-minding expenses.

Of course, when push comes to shove, I'll manage somehow I'm sure, but I'm wondering - should my employer be a little more generous?

After all - I'm one of his nurses, and if I don't fulfill the regulations, he'll be forced to terminate my employment!

For the record, I think it's a great idea that we nurses should be qualified. A recognised qualification will add more respect for our hard work & effort.

The benefits of the NEBDN exam (according to the NEBDN themselves, of course!) are here:

www.nebdn.com/nursinarticles/candidatesinf.html

...and I look forward to having something concrete on my CV.

It just seems like a tough mountain to climb at the moment - I know I can pass the exam, but I just don't see how I'm going to be able to pay for it, or take the time to study.

Any advice/similar stories?

Thanks,
Rita

[kazhod]

Hi Rita, I'm new to this forum today and have read your posting. I've been qualified along time and work freelance so I fund all my own registration costs and the forth coming CPD costs will come out of my earnings. As an employed nurse your quandary is a common one - it's your qualification and in your interest to achieve it to continue your career. However, you would hope that your employer would support you in your quest to develop yourself. Don't give up - the profession is going to lose good nurses if their dentists don't show them the support they deserve!! Kaz

[Shelly]

Hi Rita, i just read your message and im very new to this.
It sounds like your employer isn't very generous and doesnt value enough to have you all trained up and qualified.

I would like to suggest that you do what i did. Do you work in London? If so why dont you train at Kings College Hospital? They are great and i highly recommend them. The benefits are 1. you qualify in two years 2. you get paid a salary 3. you gain a certificate/qualification 4, choice of NVQ or National certification whilst getting paid, 5 get to work in 3 different hospitals GKT.

The list goes on but at least you get paid whilst training and can support your daughter. This course isn't so demanding and the assessors are very supportive. There are mothers with mortages on the course and have passed and managed so im sure you can do it.
Another good bonus is that they have 3 intakes in the year so if u dont get in as its too full u can try for the next intake.

Let me know what you think and i can give you more details if you like of how to apply, contact details plus entry exams etc!!

Good luck

Shelly

[Louise]

Hey Rita

Firstly, I think the benefits of paying for your own exam/course and registration is a good idea and in the long run will show your commitment and professionalism to your job. Not only that, no employer can moan at you when deceide to leave, because your skills, knowledge, etc have not cost them a penny!

But to answer you question, If your current employer does not want to pay for any of your training and education, then obviously they do not want to invest in their staff (i.e. YOU), I suggest you look/find an employer who can support you with training, education, etc. Do not waste your time and engery working for a**ehole.

Louise

[nic]

hi, i qualified i 2005 and my employer paid for my course , however they have refused to pay fir the registration and i had to do it myself. i personally feel they should have paid for it, if they dont want to loose there staff...... as Rita said it sounds as though your employer doesnt want to invest in his staff - maybe move on

nic

[keenie]

Hi
I am new to this forum thing so bear with me. In regard to the above I agree, I think the employer should pay for the registration. I have been very lucky my employer pays for all courses needed, registration,training.
I suppose I'm lucky then?