Contracts?

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Hi all! I am a new grad who is awaiting the dreaded NCLEX and looking for my first nursing gig. In my area we have a few hospitals that offer new grad programs. I have landed an interview next week, but am a little concerned because I don't even know what I should be looking for in a new job (such as pay, benefits, etc.). I have no experience with this field yet! The facility I was offered an interview at requires you to sign a 3 year contract. Another nearby facility requires no contract and pays $5 an hour more. Unfortunately I have not landed an interview at this higher paying, no contract facility. I know that landing your first nursing gig is not always easy, but I am afraid to be locked into a 3 year contract (especially when they make no promises that you can be transfered to your department of interest). I need some insight! Possible questions to ask the facility, or advice! Thanks!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

What is the nature of he contract? Is there a noncompete disclosure? What happens if you break the contract?

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I have no idea! But I can ask at the interview! I know they said if for some reason you can't work as a nurse they would take back the sign on bonus they provide. See, these are the questions I don't know to ask! Haha

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I have no idea! But I can ask at the interview! I know they said if for some reason you can't work as a nurse they would take back the sign on bonus they provide. See, these are the questions I don't know to ask! Haha

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In my area contracts for new grads are more common than not. I will be signing a 2year contract to work at a hospital I really like, and it's $5,000 to break it. This seems to be standard, however, a classmate of mine just signed a 3year/$10,000 contract.

I really need a job and I got a job offer from a hospital I really look forward to working at, plus 2 years really isn't that long.

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That is helpful to know. I think this contract may be similar, it's $12000 but over the course of the 3 years, so they only require the $4000 for that year if I understood right. I am very thankful for the chance to interview and the potential to work there, I'd just hate to say yes to the job and then receive a call from my first choice hospital! And it's also very stressful because I have worked generic jobs in the past that don't offer a lot for a career so I have no idea what perks or benefits I should expect and if what they are offering is good or not. It all sounds good to me! But I have been duped before!

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Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

Be careful. Three years is a long time when you are miserable. Not saying you will be. You need to know what you are getting into, which is really hard to do when you are a new grad with no hospital experience of any kind. At the very least find out about ratios, scheduling and how many cna/techs they have on the floor on any given shift. The first year of nursing can be very hard and the conditions and co-workers can make all the difference.

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