Breaking hospital contract

[ColletteRN]

I was accepted into a new graduate residency in the ICU, my dream position. Upon acceptance, I was required to sign a contract saying I'll work for the hospital for at least two years after my residency is complete. I fully intended on staying the full time and much longer because I honestly love the job. However, my husband is in the military and we recently learned that we will be moving our family to the other side of the country in a couple of months. This was completely unexpected, they literally blonde sided us with it. I don't really have a choice, I have to pack up and leave. What are the repercussions for breaking the contract with the hospital. I really don't want things to get complicated and have to involve lawyers and all that.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

The repercussions for breaking the contract should be spelled out within the contract itself. You really should speak with your human resources department and/or an employment attorney. I am curious as to why you signed a contract considering that your husband is military and what is currently happening can happen at any time- do you plan to avoid contracts in your new home?

[Froggybelly]

I am on a 2-year contract. If I break the contract, there is a hefty financial penalty that must be paid. It's is prorated for "time served" during the second year. However, there is also a military clause. If you are on a contract, you signed some form of paperwork. You probably have a copy of it somewhere within the mountain of paper you collected when you started.

[ColletteRN]

We've been married for nine years and in all that time, we've never had something sprung on us like this before. In his job field, it almost never happens. We were under the impress that we would be at our current base at least 3-4 more years. I had no reason to think this would be a problem. I definitely won't be signing any more contracts in the future though. My husband spoke to an advisor for me who said his military orders should be able to get me out of the contract no problem. Hopefully it works out.

[chare]

...My husband spoke to an advisor for me who said his military orders should be able to get me out of the contract no problem. Hopefully it works out.

Rose_Queen gave you excellent advice. You really need to discuss this with an attorney. There should be a legal services center on your husbands base. They should be able to advise you regarding your options.

Best wishes in your move and career, and thank your husband for his service.

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

I agree, read your contract. It should spell out the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

[bugya90, ASN, BSN, LVN, RN]

I worked in a military town for a while. His orders to transfer should be enough to get you out of your contract without a problem. Just like his orders can get you out of any lease agreements. It falls under the same thing.