Breaking contract?

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · May 31, 2015

What exactly were you promised in the contract and did they deliver what was promised?

MissHavokk · May 31, 2015

For example, there was a promise of specialized training - such as the critical care classes, classes beyond that of the average new hire RN requirements. In the contract it reads just 'training in the cost of 6000.' I received only that of any new RN and nothing more. I was denied a critical care class that I asked for on several occasions as it was offered in my interview and verbally my director agrees and recognizes this. However I am not considered 'critical care' so the hospital says it's too expensive to let me go. I offered to pay out of pocket. Still no. There are multiple situations on specifics more pertinent to my floor, such as pulling and maintaining introducer sheaths for cardiac cath. I was allowed one visit down to that, but when asked to finish my last pull for the official 'cert' there wasn't time or money and so I was denied. Same with certain machines for cardiac enzymes, abg, etc. So vague contract I suppose is inclusive of that judgement but isn't like it played out when hired. I was told I'd be available to shadow and train in other areas, ex, ER and have been denied that as well. I had all intents of keeping the contract but I have applied ever since I graduated to an ER that I have wanted to work at. I loved the team, the hospital, it was a great place that I loved. I didn't take this job to break a contract and go back on my word but the hospital did to me. And it's between the job I dream of and one that id honestly stand up, admit the mistake, pay and move on. But I don't want to ruin my career or blacklist myself in the eyes of the job I want so bad by a bad choice and not reading between the lines. I wasn't given a copy either so I can't really pick it apart to justify. I just have to go by what I remember and has been said when I have spoke with my director and educator to try to rectify the beliefs and situation.

oliegirllvn · May 31, 2015

Pretty sure they are in breach of contact. You should talk to a lawyer

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · May 31, 2015

How long were you on orientation?

How long have you been employed there?

What is the length of the contract in years?

Is there a penalty for not completing the contract?

Will the $6000 be pro-rated based on how many months you have worked there when you resign?

It is hard to advise you without having all of the facts. The fact that they did not give you a copy says a lot about how they run this residency and the lack of respect for their nurses.

Go see your manager and ask for a copy of the contract. If he or she refuses, then I would have no guilt about giving three weeks notice and walking away from the job, provided that you have the other job offer with a start date.

They may take your PTO and your last paycheck. Save copies of all of your paystubs just in case you have to file a claim for unpaid wages with the Georgia State Department of Labor. There is a small chance they might pursue this in civil court so keep a record of your schedules and the training that you did receive if it validates that the employer broke the contract by not providing the training as promised.

Go on your interview, say nothing about a contract or a residency, or how it did not work out because they did not provide a Critical care course.

Do mention the specific skills that you have acquired on the cardiac unit and how you can apply them in the ED and how much you want to join their organization.

Do not discuss this situation with any of your coworkers.

MissHavokk · May 31, 2015

I got offered the interview later this week. They asked if I was already in contract. If so and I did leave, they'd buy me out. However, that it is generally frowned upon. I haven't been to the actual interview yet.

The he contract is 2 years, one year of training. The second year is payback for the training. After 6 months of the second year, begins possibility of no penalty (somehow, like I said, I am unclear. I was going to sweat it out at first). But I was told when signing that my job is always at will and I can leave or be fired any time. So this is more training payment than anything but I never received the training. It seems almost two things combined that are kinda separate. Not to mention our hospital name is completely changing and our job descriptions drastically are too. We are about to be required to step up and begin critical care with no training and 6 patients a piece.

i have been here for a year and 3 months. I had a month or two of orientation, I can't remember exactly. And at 1 year the price tag drops by a certain amount.

unfortunately I am driving myself crazy trying to do the right thing and asked a few senior nurses who are good friends for advice. None seem to really be able to know what to tell me.

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · May 31, 2015

Before you go speak to your manager, submit a vacation request equal to whatever you have in your PTO bank.

That way the hospital can not take your PTO.

Once that is approved, the following week you can deal with asking for the contract.

The next week give your notice in writing. A month is considered professional but check your employee handbook to be sure.

You have done the right thing by being a good employee and working overtime as well as giving adequate notice.

MissHavokk · May 31, 2015

Given the reasons if given in a more professional, shorter format it seems an adequate explaination that the interviewers shouldn't see it too negatively?

And thank you. I truly appreciate the help. I really do.

delawaremalenurse · May 31, 2015

We are about to be required to step up and begin critical care with no training and 6 patients a piece.
critical care...with 6 pts....something is not right here

MissHavokk · May 31, 2015

Agreed. I'm actually quite worried, as are a few other nurses. We are seeing days with 6 pts and we are now going to start recovering patients straight off the table in EP and cath/vasc labs. We are expected to handle very acute patients but we are labelled med/surg/cardiac care and sort of get overflow of any kind.

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · May 31, 2015

Will the Cath lab staff do the ACT and the sheath pull?

If not, that is unsafe and it is time to find other employment. It is worth the penalty to extricate yourself from that situation and put it all behind you.

When you are interviewed be positive and say that your present job has given you multitasking, customer service, time management skills and a good foundation in Med Surg and Cardiac Nursing. Do mention how much you enjoyed your clinicals at the hospital and how impressed you were with the people and the facility.

Your reason for leaving is simply to pursue a career as an ED RN.

You should read Nurse Beth's articles about interviewing skills on this site and prepare your own elevator speech.

gypsyd8 · Jun 5, 2015

You are an employee not a slave. The hospital doesn't own you. As an in demand professional you have the right to work where you want on your own terms. You don't owe them anything. Your PTO should be cashed out, but I agree that a vacation is in order.

For example, there was a promise of specialized training - such as the critical care classes, classes beyond that of the average new hire RN requirements. In the contract it reads just 'training in the cost of 6000.' I received only that of any new RN and nothing more. I was denied a critical care class that I asked for on several occasions as it was offered in my interview and verbally my director agrees and recognizes this. However I am not considered 'critical care' so the hospital says it's too expensive to let me go. I offered to pay out of pocket. Still no. There are multiple situations on specifics more pertinent to my floor, such as pulling and maintaining introducer sheaths for cardiac cath. I was allowed one visit down to that, but when asked to finish my last pull for the official 'cert' there wasn't time or money and so I was denied. Same with certain machines for cardiac enzymes, abg, etc. So vague contract I suppose is inclusive of that judgement but isn't like it played out when hired. I was told I'd be available to shadow and train in other areas, ex, ER and have been denied that as well. I had all intents of keeping the contract but I have applied ever since I graduated to an ER that I have wanted to work at. I loved the team, the hospital, it was a great place that I loved. I didn't take this job to break a contract and go back on my word but the hospital did to me. And it's between the job I dream of and one that id honestly stand up, admit the mistake, pay and move on. But I don't want to ruin my career or blacklist myself in the eyes of the job I want so bad by a bad choice and not reading between the lines. I wasn't given a copy either so I can't really pick it apart to justify. I just have to go by what I remember and has been said when I have spoke with my director and educator to try to rectify the beliefs and situation.