[brian]

COLUMBIA, S.C -- Even in these tight financial times, state government is offering signing bonuses of up to $5,000 for qualified nurses.

The state's top financial officers decided last month to start a three-year program to attract nurses and other medical professionals to state government.

The new program allows health agencies to offer signing bonuses of up to $5,000 for jobs deemed "critical needs" including those in rural areas, places with high turnover or where the agency has struggled to hire workers.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pb.../APN/407060527

[Shamrock]

Geez, why don't they improve the wages and working conditions? Seems like
that is the long term answer. Oh, I forgot, the state is involved.

[RN4NICU]

I'm always cautious of positions offering big sign-on $$$, with the immediate thought of

What kind of a hole is this place that their turnover rate necessitates sign-on bonuses in order to put employees on a financial leash?

I agree with Shamrock, rather than offer bonuses, why don't they improve conditions and salaries? Maybe they're just hoping to prey on those who don't ask why nobody wants to work there?

[fergus51]

I like both. I took a signing bonus at my newest job and the pay and benes are good too. The signing bonus is given in lieu of moving expenses and if not for it, I certainly wouldn't have moved across the continent for a job.

[nursursie]

Well I have taken a $5k sign on bonus loved the hospital ended up leaving due to a need to work closer to home. But some hospitals here really need to improve on their wages, etc. then they would not have to worry about sign on bonuses.

[hipab4hands]

Originally Posted by Shamrock

Geez, why don't they improve the wages and working conditions? Seems like
that is the long term answer. Oh, I forgot, the state is involved.

When I start seeing ads for sign on bonuses, my first thoughts are :this is a red flag, and what's wrong with the place?

If the can afford to pay 5,000 extra, then why can't they pay decent wages, in the first place?