Do most RN jobs have contracts that specify a certain number of years minimum?

[priorities2]

I notice on this forum some people talking about taking a job with a 2 or 3 year contract. Is this the norm, or the exception? Do most RN jobs not require you to work there a certain amount of time in the contact? Does it vary by part of the country? What do you know about contracts and RN jobs? Thanks =)

[mbittleston]

I work at a county facility and no contact but the private facilities have 3 yr contracts.

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[springchick1, ADN, RN]

It totally depends on the facility.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

I notice on this forum some people talking about taking a job with a 2 or 3 year contract. Is this the norm or the exception? Do most RN jobs not require you to work there a certain amount of time in the contact? Does it vary by part of the country? What do you know about contracts and RN jobs? Thanks =)[/quote']

It depends on the facility, department and employee.

In many places, new grad hires into certain specialties such ICI, cardiac surgery. Etc, there are contracts. The reason is that it is very expensive and time consuming to orient and train those nurses, and many get the training, and leave before the facility has recouped the expense. The training for the specialty is valuable, and the facility wishes to get value back for it.

[RileyRN2013]

I just signed a 3 year contract, but I am a new grad in a Versant program. I have friends and family nurses who have signed contracts if there is a signing bonus or tuition reimbursement involved.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I notice on this forum some people talking about taking a job with a 2 or 3 year contract. Is this the norm, or the exception? Do most RN jobs not require you to work there a certain amount of time in the contact? Does it vary by part of the country? What do you know about contracts and RN jobs? Thanks =)

It has nothing to do with " RN" per se....... signing a contract. Union facilities have contracts for the nurses that are negotiated by the union. Other nurses usually do not have contracts.

However....it is becoming common practice to require New grads/RN's to sign 2 to 3 year contracts for their training and having the new grads have to "pay back" a pro-rated cost of the training program costs. New Grads historically will take any position for that first year then move into their "dream jobs" leaving hospitals in a tough spot. It costs a ton of money to train the new grads get them up and running and never get to receive the fruits of their labor.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I've never worked a nursing job that came with a contract. When I signed my offer letter with my new grad job, it said on it that they requested a 2 year commitment but neither party was legally bound to it.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

The vast majority of jobs are 'at will' - no individual contract involved. If the organization has to make a significant investment in a new employee - providing specialty training, residency, etc... they may require a commitment.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

At will is the standard in my part of the country. The only contracts are for travelers, about 13 weeks, and we have not had any for ages.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Contract? At a hospital of other facility? No way, Jose. If it's a union shop your union contract will specify benefits and such, but not ever length of employment.

Travelers, different deal.

[Katie71275]

It depends. My hospital doesn't have one. The hospital my sister is working at does. But she is in a nurse residency program and that's why. Hers is 2 yrs(after the 4 month orientation). A couple friends have a 1 yr contract but that is related to the sign on bonus they received.

[jdictson]

Maybe these hospitals should provide the appropriate pay for their nurses and this wouldn't be a problem...