Breach of Contract?

[andreasl]

I currently work at a local hospital as a Nurse extern. I have been employed there for approximately two years now. I work 40 hours for 12 weeks in the summer and only occasionally during my school year. When interviewed for the position it was stated by both supervisors that the hospital would pay for my tuition while I was in school, and also pay me for my hours worked as an employee. Their only expectations were that I work 40 hours during the summer. If I choose not to take a position offered to me after graduation, then I will only owe the hospital the last semester costs of my tuition.

The supervisors of the program are now saying that what they originally stated was a misunderstanding. All externs are expected to pay back any loans accrued subtracting a percentage of hours worked from that amount. To pay back 5,800$ worth of tuition payed by the hospital, I would have to work approximately 2,300 hours.

My supervisors stated in front of every extern (about 15) that what they had originally promised at our interviews was not going to be fulfilled. However myself nor any other extern has a written contract with the hospital.

I am debating contacting an attorney. Although there is no written contract, there was a verbal agreement which was promised to nearly 20 employees. Is this a legitimate legal matter?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Please tell me your opinions and ideas. Thank You.

[CHATSDALE]

was this a mistake by one of the supervisors or was this a change in hospital policy?

have you talked with some of the other externs?

[andreasl]

was this a mistake by one of the supervisors or was this a change in hospital policy?

have you talked with some of the other externs?

Originally the hospital's policy (which was made in 2001) stated that it required externs to pay back their tuition in relation to the hours they worked. Ex: If you worked 2,500 hours you would not owe anything back, if you worked 500 hours you would owe approximately 4,500 back.

This policy was not being followed for nearly six years. None of the externs were made aware of this policy.

We were only told that if we choose not to continue our employment after graduation, we would only owe the last semesters tuition. I took the job after that was verbally stated to me in my interview by both supervisors.

I have spoken to other externs about this, most feel it is an injustice, however they do not appear as motivated to take action, because the majority already have their tuition payed in full by state and federal assistance.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

If it was never in writing they've probably got you.

2,300 hours is a little over 40 hours weekly for about a year. However, if you don't want to stay at the hospital make repayment arrangements with them. Repayment on a $5000 loan should be easily manageable.

Lesson learned. "If it wasn't charted it wasn't done" applies to more than just nursing documentation.

[tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN]

Hello andreasl

I can understand that you are very upset by what has happened. The members on Allnurses are really not in a position to offer legal advice as it is against the Terms of Service. You and the other externs would be better served by seeking the advice of an attorney.

I wish you much luck.