Assistance with Graduate School

[CuriousOhioRN]

I am currently looking for a new job at a hospital that will assist me in furthering my education. Are there any suggestions on what to specifically look for? I am searching in Northeast Ohio and the hospital sites simply say "Tuition reimbursement" or something along those lines. I would like to go back to school, but I could never afford the tuition alone! Thanks for your help!

[llg, PhD, RN]

"Tuition Reimbursement" is the main program you are looking for. Investigate those hospitals that offer it -- and ask about the details as part of your application process. You may find you have to be employed there for a specific period of time before you are eligible for tuition reimbursement ... or the amount of reimbursement you are eligible for may depend upon how many hours you work. (i.e. Part time employees may get less reimbursement than full time employees.) Also, you may find that some hospitals may require you to sign a contract guaranteeing that you will work for them for a certain amount of time after receiving the reimbursement.

You won't know these details until you ask about them.

Good luck!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

LLG is correct. Don't expect tuition reimbursement to cover the entire tuition cost. For example, a 'generous' amount from hospitals in my area is $5k annually. Most offer less than that. The best deals are usually offered by hospitals that are affiliated with a university that has a nursing school.... you can get an employee discount as well as reimbursement. Based on my experience, you will be expected to pay up front & the employer will reimburse IF you pass the course. They don't pay up front.