How Common is Non-Compete in various PT settings?

[TheOx777]

To all the practicing PTs, how common is it for a company/hospital/clinic to make you sign a non-compete clause? Let's say I work 40 hrs a week, yet want to pick up an additional 5-10 hrs a week at another place(s). How does that work? Is it more common in outpatient than in inpatient/hospital based settings? Just something that I was thinking about, and it might not be something at the forefront of pre-PTs or DPTs minds as they are making the transition into the professional world. Thoughts?

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[goyo1010]

I, too, was thinking of this recently as I was thinking I may want to work more hours if I were not given enough. These non-compete clauses are honestly a pain in the butt. From what I heard (small sample size, n), the non-complete clauses are somewhat more common with some outpatient clinics rather than hospital settings... I'm not so sure, but I'd like to hear more from the current PTs and upcoming PTs on SDN.

Also, I heard one could also be fired for not signing a non-compete agreement. And depending on the reasonability of the demands of the clause, being fired would be perfectly fine.

To all the practicing PTs, how common is it for a company/hospital/clinic to make you sign a non-compete clause? Let's say I work 40 hrs a week, yet want to pick up an additional 5-10 hrs a week at another place(s). How does that work? Is it more common in outpatient than in inpatient/hospital based settings? Just something that I was thinking about, and it might not be something at the forefront of pre-PTs or DPTs minds as they are making the transition into the professional world. Thoughts?

 

[Sheldon]

Hey All,

I work in a critical access hospital. I have a non-compete clause that specifically refers to other hospitals in the area; however, I work PRN for SNFs in the area. My employer knows this and does not have a problem with it as long as I do not take time off of work to do PRN work. That said, I pick up weekend shifts when I want. When I was employed at a SNF, I did have a non-compete clause for other SNFs in the area. PRN work, if you are willing, helps tremendously with student debt and provides extra clinical experience and insight.
I have been honest with my employers re: my desire to do PRN work on weekends or evenings after work and have justified it citing student loan debt. Both have been understanding.
Best of luck!

 

[TheOx777]

Shledon,

Thanks for the info!

 

[cardthrower07]

To me it seems like a way to prevent competition if the employer can't keep employees happy. You either stay and deal with it or choose a totally different setting. I don't think I would ever sign one and if it was a requirement to do so I would proceed with lots of caution. I would want to know the therapist turn over and how many of them have been there beyond say 4 or 5 years.

How long are these contracts binding after you leave? Would it actually hold up in the courts?

 

[jesspt]

I have only come across this type of thing once. I refused to sign it and went to the employer's primary competitor. With the job market being what it is, with many opportunities for PTs in all settings, I don't see why anyone would sign one.

 

[rcheeley]

I have only come across this type of thing once. I refused to sign it and went to the employer's primary competitor. With the job market being what it is, with many opportunities for PTs in all settings, I don't see why anyone would sign one.

The company I work for uses non-compete clauses for licensed professionals. The reason being, is because this is a very small and very tight knit community, and this is a smaller PT company. The clause applies for individuals transferring or working at other outpatient practices. I also do PRN work at a local hospital in acute and in-paient. My employer has no problem w/ this. What they don't want to happen, when I've asked the owners about this, is they don't want to you develop a great relationship w/ referral sources, patients, etc and then start up your own practice or go to a competitor and take their business.

 

[jesspt]

The company I work for uses non-compete clauses for licensed professionals. The reason being, is because this is a very small and very tight knit community, and this is a smaller PT company. The clause applies for individuals transferring or working at other outpatient practices. I also do PRN work at a local hospital in acute and in-paient. My employer has no problem w/ this. What they don't want to happen, when I've asked the owners about this, is they don't want to you develop a great relationship w/ referral sources, patients, etc and then start up your own practice or go to a competitor and take their business.

So, as you can see, non-compete clauses benefit the employer and not the employee. If you can avoid it, I wouldn't sign one. My assumption is that they are more common in smaller cities and more rural areas, as there will be too much competition for employers in metropolitan areas looking to hire PTs for non-compete clauses to be common place.

 

[rcheeley]

So, as you can see, non-compete clauses benefit the employer and not the employee. If you can avoid it, I wouldn't sign one. My assumption is that they are more common in smaller cities and more rural areas, as there will be too much competition for employers in metropolitan areas looking to hire PTs for non-compete clauses to be common place.

Exactly, they benefit the employer, and you're right, they are typically are in more rural areas, as it is often difficult to attract PTs to these areas and they don't want to lose them to competitors. It is also very popular w/ other professionals, as many of the Orthos and other specialists in this area also have non-compete clauses. They are typically anywhere from 1-2 years in length.

Easy way around it in my case, do PRN work for that length of time in another area of PT (acute, inpatient, HH) and then when that time is up, go back to Ortho for whatever it is you're wanting to do. Also, it's usually only about a 30-60 mile radius.