Hi,

I'm not sure anyone can help me and I'm about at my wit's end. I was in a ADN program a while back and had all my academics done and was looking forward to just doing my clinicals. Well, I got married and went to Germany where I couldn't finish my nursing degree of course. Now that I'm back in the states, I keep hearing about hospitals that will pay for your schooling as long as you commit to working at that particular hospital for about two years. What I want to know is how can I find out about this program in Tucson or if it's still available. I'm still very much interested in finishing my schooling in this field and am aware that I will have to retake classes. Is there anyone out there who can help me?

Check with your hosptal nurse recruiter, they should be able to answer any questions you have. Make sure when you choose a hospital, it's the one you REALLY want to work for! It's not fun to work someplace when you don't want to be there!

You should even be able to call personell in the hospitals in the area to see if they have a program like that. I know the hospital I work at has a program where they pay for school and you commint to like 5 years at that hospital. IF you leave before the time is up, you pay the balance of the school tuition that you have not worked off.

Leigh

Thanks so much! I'll definitely call around today :)

I'm in one of these, it is one year of service for each year of school they pay for. If you wind up not working for the hospital the money becomes payable back to them at that point. My school had all the applications and arranged all the interviews for these programs. You may want to check with the Nursing Dept. at the school you plan to attend.

Word to the wise in general BEFORE you accept any kind of deal like that 1)Make sure that there are not any scholarships or grants you are overlooking. If you REALLY don't need the work to repay tuition deal then don't lock yourself in that commitment. You never know what may come up by the time you graduate and you may want to do something totally different, move to another state or whatever. 2)Make sure the hospital is a GOOD hospital. Explore the hospital and make sure it is one you would want to work for after graduation.

The biggest mistake that I have ever made that I regret in my life was commiting to something like that. My options are pretty slim after I graduate in May and that is something to think about very seriously.

They make it sound really good but some programs vary.

I thought I posted response this am. UofA has accelerated bsn program (14 months) and tuition paid for by 2 local area hospitals. commitment is upon graduation have to work for them for 2 years. hope this helps..

I think of these programs as indentured slavery. You must work for them, on their terms or repay the "loan". And it is a loan -- you do sign a promissary note. You repay the loan by working for them. Yep, indentured slavery I believe they call it.

Originally posted by Vsummer1

Yep, indentured slavery I believe they call it.

I think the correct technical term is "indentured servitude" rather than actual slavery ... but I agree with your sentiment. :-)

I am following this thread because I am curious to learn about people's experience with such programs. My hospital has considered beginning a program like that but has not instituted one because we don't want people to be "stuck" working for us when we are not a good match for their interests or talents. We also don't want to get into the business of having to collect the money from those who can't work for us because of family committments, etc.

I'll be very interested in reading what other people have to say about these programs.

llg