What would you do in a situation like this

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I'm graduating in May 2003. When I first started nursing school I said that I wanted to do pediatric nursing. Well, after thinking things through and evauluating all my clinical experiences I decided that pediatric nursing is still what I want to do and feel that is where my true calling is at.

Here is the deal, a large hospital system in my city offer students at my school to pay their tuition in exchange for a work commitment. The tuition is $15,000.00 so that is what the hospital paid in exchange for a 2 year work commitment. In the commitment is says that if a graduate chooses to work for another place after graduation then they have to pay back the money within a year of deciding not to work for them.

I really want to go work for the children's hospital in my area because I use to work there before and I LOVED it there. The hospital is so friendly towards new grads and have MANY supportive programs for new grads.

On the other hand this hospital system that I am talking about that paid the tuition I have also worked for them briefly just to get a closer view on what they are like and I was not at all impressed and did not feel like that is the envirnoment for me.

I struggled with making a decision about the commitment. I changed my mind 3 times before I agreed to it. Now, I want out and I can still get out but it will cost me. If I get out it will cost $15,000.00 Plus 10% interest.

I talked to my parents and they said that if I really want out of this then I could pay so much per month and have it all paid off in a year by using half of my first year salary as a nurse. My parents have also welcomed me to stay with them for a little while longer while I pay for this and I would not have to pay so much to stay with them. Just a little bit to help them out.

So, if you had the option what would you do. Would you stick to the commitment going into it knowing you really don't want to do with it because you don't want to waste your money and it makes you unhappy or would you be willing to sacrifice and live like a student (without much money) for another year after graduation to get the commitment paid off and be at a place where will be truly happy and a place that you really want to be with.

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Tonya,

If that were me (which it might be in 2-3 years, I HOPE!) I would bite the bullet and go where you WANT TO WORK. That will make all the difference esp if the bene's are better and its a "better" work environment. YOU HAVE TO BE HAPPY WHERE YOU WORK. if you don't think you will like it, then get out now. Or .... now that I think about it ... you could suck it up for two years, get $15K free, then go there. You might be able to negotiate better benefits at the other hospital with more experience ... plus you could always get a pay jump. I might think about doing that, but you know the environments and I don't. Its a really a tough decision but the bene's might be in favor of the other hospital. I'm surprised they won't offer ANY tuition help ...

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Originally posted by peaceful2100

be willing to sacrifice and live like a student (without much money) for another year after graduation to get the commitment paid off and be at a place where will be truly happy and a place that you really want to be with.

This (above) is the only thing I would do. No question. Working in amiserable job is not worth all the money in the world.

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I agree with Hellllo. You'll be spending an extra $2,250 over two years, or $1,125/year. If you were paying rent somewhere, say, $400/month, that would be $4,800 for the year. So staying with your parents and not paying rent (or not much) would more than equal out the money you're losing in interest.

Also, can you put a price on your sanity? lol

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I would get out while you still have the chance. I reccommend going to work for the company were you will be happy, comfortable, and safe. I trust this a difficult decision to make, but you set your own course and goals. Best wishes and good luck with your future endeavors.

Take Care,

Marlita :cool:

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I also think you should go where you will be happy. With your two year committment, do you have a choice what department you will be working in? Have you looked into the orientation/preceptor programs at each hospital?

If your parents are willing to help you out, then having less money for a year will probably not be so bad, after all, it's more than you have as a student, right? IMO, it's better to be somewhat broke with family support for a year than it would be to be in a miserable job for two years, and then having to go through all the anxiety of interviewing/waiting again.

Good luck in your decision!

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$15,000 is not worth it if you are not happy. Hospitals pay bonuses like this for a reason. Follow your bliss. Your parents have offered a gift take it and bless them with your happiness.

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Specializes in Mostly LTC, some acute and some ER,.

I would go where I am going to be happy. Best of luck to you.

Mandi

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I have to agree with everyone here - $15,000 is a lot of money, but is that the price you are willing to save and be miserable???

ALTHOUGH that being said you never know who you will meet if you do decide to give the first hospital a go. I tend to find the whole vibe of a place can be different when you are employed there, and when different staff are working.

You never know - you might just love it!!!!

Can you start there when you graduate, like a few months trial, and if you are really miserable and cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel change???

Sorry to make the decision harder - i just thought i would show you both sides of the coin!

Good luck and follow your heart and gut feelings!!

Love Rachel @}-->------------

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I am in this *exact* situation, although my total is considerably less than yours.

I have decided to go where I want to go, and pay them back. I'd rather pay the money than be miserable for 2 years.

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Does the children's hospital offer a sign-on bonus that could help pay off some of that $15,000 you'll owe to the other hospital?

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Originally posted by peaceful2100

Here is the deal, a large hospital system in my city offer students at my school to pay their tuition in exchange for a work commitment. The tuition is $15,000.00 so that is what the hospital paid in exchange for a 2 year work commitment. In the commitment is says that if a graduate chooses to work for another place after graduation then they have to pay back the money within a year of deciding not to work for them.

Just to be clear, they already paid for your tuition? I mean, it isn't that they will take over your student loans? I'm just asking because the amount of interest for student loans (at least the stafford) is less than 8%.

I think that because you do have the support of your parents, you should definitely take them up on it and work where you want to work. But I think that you brought up a situation that many of us still in school need to think about...don't commit yourself until you get all the facts, many of us would not have that option of a safety net.

Best of luck to you.

Kris

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