F Grade Hospital

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Hi,

I have a job offer for my dream department but the hospital just received an F grade from leapfrog and that is making me nervous. Do any nurses here work for a lower grade hospital or have friends who do? I'd love to hear how that has worked out for you.

Thanks!

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There can be 100's of reason a good hospital gets a F, and a poorly run hospital gets an A.

Did you do your nursing clinical sat the hospital?

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No I didn't I think that's why I have hesitation and they want a two year contract from me. I understand for the training but I'm scared to be tied down like that..

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Maybe be blunt and honest with whomever offered you the job. Ask them why they got an F, maybe adding that you know hospital rating systems can be misleading.

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I briefly looked at the grading site. A lot of it revolves around policies in place. It doesn't matter what they actually do ...just what they say. I'm not impressed.

A two year contract anywhere is definitely something to think hard about. though. What other options do you have?

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Specializes in PICU.

When you interviewed at your dream department what did you like about it that made it your dream department? There could be any numerous reasons why a hospital received an F grade, however people are working there and if people seemed happy there may be things completely unrelated to the NURSING care, etc.

As for the 2 year contract, that is standard. The hospital is investing a lot of money into training you.

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Thanks! Yeah I'm not liking it so I'm postponing and waiting on two other places to get back to me that I had second interview with..

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I saw that survey. Don't worry about it. The REALLY bad hospitals weren't even listed.

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As for the 2 year contract, that is standard. The hospital is investing a lot of money into training you.

Sorry, but I'm on a mission to call this out every time I see it. That is indeed how many attempt to justify this, but there is no contractual obligation that says the nurse will actually receive something of measurable quantity or quality that can be judged to have been provided or not provided. You might get a truly fantastic foundation-building orientation, or you might get a crappy disjointed chance to follow around several different harried nurses until someone declares you're ready for your own assignment because they are short-staffed. So, no. This is an unethical attempt to pass on business costs to entry-level workers while retaining NO obligation whatsoever other than to not break the law.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
Sorry, but I'm on a mission to call this out every time I see it. That is indeed how many attempt to justify this, but there is no contractual obligation that says the nurse will actually receive something of measurable quantity or quality that can be judged to have been provided or not provided. You might get a truly fantastic foundation-building orientation, or you might get a crappy disjointed chance to follow around several different harried nurses until someone declares you're ready for your own assignment because they are short-staffed. So, no. This is an unethical attempt to pass on business costs to entry-level workers while retaining NO obligation whatsoever other than to not break the law.

There are some states where these contracts are not binding, but in other states they are perfectly legal and the employee can be held to the penalties. A contract must offer both sides something of value, but courts commonly see a job and the income that goes along with it as something of value.

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I signed a contract as a new grad in May with a hospital not that know to me but now I know it doesn't have a great rep. There is a reason why they make us new grads sign a contract -- because they couldn't keep people to stay. Its the only reason why I've stayed at my current employer, the contract, because that place is a hot mess. Point of lesson --- do NOT sign unless your very, very sure.

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If you can have a lawyer read over that contract before you sign it! Ask if you can have a shadow day and get at least an idea of how things are before commiting. Best of luck.

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