Does sign-on-bonus mean it's a pit of despair?

[pebbles]

Okay, in looking for jobs so many places offer sign on bonuses and talk like they are so eager to hire me. Of course I will be doing my homework and check the place out before I sign on somewhere, but I wondered about the significance of the offer itself.

Does a sign on bonus mean I should be leery of the place to begin with, or is this just so common now that even the good places offer a bonus?

[pebbles, BSN, RN]

Hmmm... I never thought of comparing hospitals in the same area like that before - but it does make sense. Just from looking at job postings for the places that list them online, it does seem like the more short-staffed places have bonuses more often than not.

Thankfully, I'm working with an experienced recruitment/placement firm. They'll negotiate for me whatever I ask them to, and give me feedback as to what is realistic in terms of offers. This might make it easier to keep a better distance and get perspective.

I think I will scrutinize more closely the places that have bonuses. As people have said, they must be using that bonus for a good reason. And if I can negotiate a hiring contract without a bonus, but with a higher wage, I'll at least be a free agent when I get there. Or as canoehead said, maybe I can get them to pay my moving expenses instead. A bonus would be nice, but "if it sounds too good to be true..."

Thanks everybody for the feedback! :)

[NannaNurse]

I love my job/hospital.....great people, great place to work....my sign-on-bonus came without strings......meaning that I continue to get 'chunks' of it for 3 years, but I don't have to pay any back if I don't stay.....I just don't get anymore.....

Good luck!