[circanw]

I'm currently a nursing student, planning to graduate September 07'. I've been hearing rumors of generous employment incentives being offered by Philadelphia area hospitals as a means of attracting nurses (both experienced & new grads) to the area. I've heard of things like $20,000 loan repayment in exchange for 2-3 year employment contracts, or $10,000 cash sign-on bonuses. Most of this information appears to be hearsay of hearsay. Is there anyone out there who has first hand knowledge on this subject??

Thanks for any info you can provide!

[sunnyjohn]

Earlier this year a guy who just graduated from an accelerated program in Phillyposted his bonus amount.

I could swear he said he was offered $10-15K over 2-3 years.

So a search for a news story on a new male nurse at TJU (?). He had made a medication error and the story was about that and his development in the program

[brandnewjerseyrn]

UPenn offers $10,000 in loan repayment over 4 years. They don't offer sign on bonuses. I just started there in July so I know this for a fact. Good luck with the job search!

[LUXOR21]

I currently work at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and was told the following by the nursing recruitment office. They do not offer sign on bonuses. They do not repay loans. They do not offer a service repayment.

They do however offer tuition reimbursement to employees ($4,000). They also have a $5,000 per year clinical scholarship for anyone pursuing a BSN in nursing.

[NRSKarenRN]

Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Foundation can now help pay for your nursing education and help you achieve success in the field of nursing.

To help recruit and retain qualified nursing students in Pennsylvania, the "Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures" program will help you repay your student loans. By working for a participating Pennsylvania health care organization, after graduation from an approved nursing education program, you may receive student loan forgiveness for up to 25 percent (a maximum of $12,500) of your eligible debt over a three-year period
PHEAA - Nursing Loan Forgiveness for Healthier Futures

Link has list of facilities participating.