about a year ago I accepted a graduate nurse position at a hospital in florida. I was required to sign a contract that stipulates I work for 2 years or pay back $13,500. I have already worked for a year. The dilemma that I face is that my fiancé had to relocate to another state for his job. I have had a really difficult time the past 6 months that he has been gone. I feel constantly alone and isolated, especially because I work night shift and everyone is asleep when I'm wide awake. I just put my notice in to quit, so I can move there and be with him. My question is, has anyone else ever broken a graduate nurse contract? Did you end up having to pay back money? Do you regret your decision? Did it have a terrible impact on your career going forward?
If anyone else has advice who hasn't been in this situation I would appreciate that as well.
There might be a clause in your contract that lets you off if your spouse relocates. This might also apply to domestic partners. Check your contract and see if there are ways to alleviate the financial pain.
Unfortunately no, I’ve read it and re read it and annotated it to my best understanding a million times. This contract was constructed by the hospital and their lawyers that they likely have on retainer. It is highly in their favor. It has no clauses about special circumstances. It’s brutal. It even states that they can take my paychecks to pay for the cost of my “education”
Usually the time counts once off orientation. So is it really a year since you were off orientation?
I am very aware of FL hospital policy. I had a friend take a new grad job 8 years ago there. Your penalty should be prorated with FL Hospital. At least that what they have always done to my knowledge. You will not owe 13500.
Did your friend have to pay? I’m thinking about contacting a lawyer to see if the final cost can be negotiated down. It does seem to be prorated but it would still cost me around $9,000. An attorney might end up costing around that same amount
No, but it was health related. Others I know stayed and because of the quit fee. Keep in mind you won't be using your first and only nursing job as a reference. Do you have student loans to pay off?
No, but it was health related. Others I know stayed and because of the quit fee. Keep in mind you won't be using your first and only nursing job as a reference. Do you have student loans to pay off?
I know I am concerned about the reference thing as well. I have spoken to multiple charge nurses on my unit who said I could use them. Not sure if a future employer would ask for a manager though.
I know I am concerned about the reference thing as well. I have spoken to multiple charge nurses on my unit who said I could use them. Not sure if a future employer would ask for a manager though.
well yeah long as you have charge nurses that is fine.
If you already put in your notice, then the deal is done. But, I hope you already have your nursing license in the new state. Some states take a while to get a new license. I also would have suggested looking for a position before you move. As for the paying back reimbursement, I don't think every workplace actually goes after reimbursement, although some I've heard of keeping the last paycheck or something.
you may actually want to keep the job for 1 more year. If this boyfriends job is going to bounce him around a lot you need 2 years experience to be a travel nurse so you can pick up and leave with him anytime.
I also work for this particular hospital system. Without naming names....it used to be called one thing and now its called another. ? Your contract is pro rated...so you will owe less than the original amount. However just let them know you are moving, they may not hold you to the agreement. I have never understood where they come up with the 13,500 from though. Its not like they give us that. How does our training cost that much? All we do are a few sims and depending on the unit, have a preceptor for 8-15 weeks. We do way more for them than they ever do for us.
On another note..I feel the same way you do in many ways OP. I do like the people and management on my unit, but the hospital itself and the policies they push are miserable. The staffing is unsafe, we have no ancillary help and new things are pushed on us everyday. I know alot of nurses feel this way and hopefully it will change but until then..there is better out there. I for one, will most likely pay to get out of my contract in the next few months. It will be worth every penny. Best of luck in your move
If you already put in your notice, then the deal is done. But, I hope you already have your nursing license in the new state. Some states take a while to get a new license. I also would have suggested looking for a position before you move. As for the paying back reimbursement, I don't think every workplace actually goes after reimbursement, although some I've heard of keeping the last paycheck or something.
Luckily, my fiancé makes plenty of money to support both of us for awhile during my transition over there. He’s even offered to pay out my contract if it comes to that. I’m not too concerned about having a job immediately when I move there. If they send me a bill immediately, then I’ll just use part of my savings.??♀️
you may actually want to keep the job for 1 more year. If this boyfriends job is going to bounce him around a lot you need 2 years experience to be a travel nurse so you can pick up and leave with him anytime.
His job doesn’t bounce him around. He is on the west coast loves it there. I think it would probably be better for nurses out west as well. Here in Florida employers think they can pay us in sunshine
Nursenursexoxo
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Unfortunately no, I’ve read it and re read it and annotated it to my best understanding a million times. This contract was constructed by the hospital and their lawyers that they likely have on retainer. It is highly in their favor. It has no clauses about special circumstances. It’s brutal. It even states that they can take my paychecks to pay for the cost of my “education”