Breaking a two year contract

[huladancer, ADN, BSN, MSN]

Last month I completed the first year of a two year contract with a hospital. When I signed the contract I received a $3000 sign on bonus.

I enjoy the hospital I work for and I enjoy the unit and staff I work with, but this hospital is not in the ideal location for me. When I started working for this hospital, i was living with my parents and couldn't afford to move. But after a year of working, I've saved money to move to an area I've always wanted to live in.

Today, I called our hospitals HR office and asked what would happen if I broke the contract. They said that as far as the the money goes, I wouldn't have to pay anything back. I was part of a new RN resident program and I was asked to sign the following statement.

It is expected that the Resident will agree to commit to one and one half years of full-time employment as a registered nurse under the Medical Center's regular terms of employment after completion of the Residency. It is important to understand that employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance in the judgment of both the Medical Center and the Nursing Division

I guess I'm unaware of the consequences of breaking this contract. I just don't want to the breaking of this contract to reflect negatively as a search for new employment.

I don't NEED to quit this job today, but I'm trying to take the steps I need to live the life I want. Any light you can provide would be truly appreciate it.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Is there a reason you are in a hurry?

The job sounds fine, you are saving some money and planning for the future. Don't be too quick to walk away from a good job and good coworkers.

If you want to move, use the next 6 months to a year to scout out locations you want to live, save even more money, plan your move, and when you come to the end of your obligations, leave in good graces.

I could see breaking a contract if you are being mistreated or pushed into unsafe practice.

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

We are not permitted to comment on legal issues. It could be deemed a TOS violation. I will share my personal experience with you. I broke a two year contract that was secured by a promissory note which I signed upon hire. I left after a year into the term. The facility enforced the promissory note and sent me a bill for a prorated amount which they wanted, in full. As luck would have it, after a year away, I came back and was rehired by my original employer. They are taking it out of my pay in installments.

You can ask your manager if you will be eligible for rehire. That's usually what employers ask when they check references.

[huladancer, ADN, BSN, MSN]

Is there a reason you are in a hurry?

The job sounds fine, you are saving some money and planning for the future. Don't be too quick to walk away from a good job and good coworkers.

If you want to move, use the next 6 months to a year to scout out locations you want to live, save even more money, plan your move, and when you come to the end of your obligations, leave in good graces.

I could see breaking a contract if you are being mistreated or pushed into unsafe practice.

Thank you both for the advice. I know 9 months (that's how much time I left on my contract) will come and go. There's this resltesness within me and it may have nothing to do with my job, but I do feel like I need a change in my life. But yes, I will take the next few months to plan my move. I really do need to consider all my options before I decide what step to take.