Contract for New Grads?

[ChloBear]

I'm a May 2010 grad looking to gain experience as an RN. Like many new grads, I haven't had much luck with hospitals and I decided to extend my search to include other settings such as nursing homes. I spoke with the DON of a nursing home in my area and she said that the only way they will consider me as a new grad is if I sign a 3-year employment contract. Is this normal? Has anyone ever entered into an agreement like this? I've been out of school for a year now, so I'm pretty anxious to get some experience under my belt, but I don't want to be taken advantage of either. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

[CaliforniaRNnow]

Um, that doesn't sound normal to me. And I'm working in a nursing home right now (thinking about quitting... see thread) and I also hear that working in a nursing home is absurdly extremely overwhelming. Do NOT get caught up in a contract.... especially a 3 YEAR CONTRACT. Follow your gut feeling.

[FLmomof5]

One local hospital required NGs to sign a contract but not for 3 years!

I will be starting soon at a Rehab facility....(combo LTC and acute/subacute care) and no contract was required.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

More and more facilities ( nursing home and hospitals) require contracts for new grads. This has come about because of job hopping. It is very expensive to orient new grads, and this gives them some leverage to recuperate costs.

Having said that, requiring a 3 year contract for any position, especially a NH position is a bit over the top. It would be more understandable for an ICU position, due to the training aspects.