Broke 2 year contract

[Shondacat517]

Can my job take my last paycheck because I broke the 2 year contract I commited to? I hope not cause this is a Christmas check.

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

My institution would. They have withheld money from people that broke contracts after having received sign on bonuses or got grants to get advanced degrees. You had better talk to HR.

[tablefor9, RN]

Two of the facilities I worked for *never* went after people for sign on or relocation. When I asked about it (odd how the conversation came up, I digress), one of the managers said it was "more trouble than it was worth" to do anything about it.

So, can they...yes. Will they...guess you'll find out on payday. Because both of these facilities are for profit hospitals, both have high turnover rates, and both continued to list the nurses that left breaking contract as eligible for rehire.

[SCnurse2010]

Check your contract. That has all the info you need. Mine specifically spells out what happens if the contract is broken. I'm sorry you've been through whatever made you feel like you just couldn't take it anymore. Breaking contract is not something you do on a whim so I'm sure you've been through a lot. Good luck as you move forward!

[Ardneth]

You'd have to check your specific contract. But yes, it is legal for them to withhold your last paycheck if you accepted any money upfront for the contract. If you took a sign-on bonus, any lump sum payment, or tuition forgiveness, then it is legal to withhold a paycheck for reparation if your contract says that you forfit that initial money for not completing the contract.