Get your hand out of my pocket!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I received a letter stating that I had to repay the portion of the sign-on bonus I received due to the fact that I left the facility. I have no problem paying the money except that they are including the taxed portion, isn't that like paying twice? Also, I left because they downsized and my position was no longer available. They told the NM, the nurse bumping me, and the person who completes the scheduling that I was losing my position. Everyone but me, instead they told the nurse replacing me, "just erase her name from the self-scheduling book and add yours", they cancelled my shifts so that that nurse replacing me could "gain experience on her floor" when I questioned personnel they said, "bumping is commencing on the 8th and that is when you will be notified, we can not give out any further information". So, I began interviewing at other facilities and resigned before the 8th. After that kind treatment from administration I have to cut them a check, I think I would rather chew broken glass!

You could request to keep your money with an explanation of the events that led you to resign. I would do this on every link in the chain of command all the way to the CEO. This persistance may make them wonder how far you are willing to take it. Just a FYI-the thing a hospital fears more than a lawsuit is bad press. I might tell a nurse "friend" (meaning big mouth) that I have a columnist friend who thinks this would make an interesting story. Let her know you are so angry that you are considering assisting her in a story about "Factors that are influencing the nursing shortage." Swear the "friend" to secrecy. Do this to two such "friends". The odds are good that you will get to keep your money.

You could request to keep your money with an explanation of the events that led you to resign. I would do this on every link in the chain of command all the way to the CEO. This persistance may make them wonder how far you are willing to take it. Just a FYI-the thing a hospital fears more than a lawsuit is bad press. I might tell a nurse "friend" (meaning big mouth) that I have a columnist friend who thinks this would make an interesting story. Let her know you are so angry that you are considering assisting her in a story about "Factors that are influencing the nursing shortage." Swear the "friend" to secrecy. Do this to two such "friends". The odds are good that you will get to keep your money.

Oh! How true! I forgot how much they hate bad press! This might work.

Oh! How true! I forgot how much they hate bad press! This might work.

Originally posted by essarge

I hate to say this (and be the devil's advocate) but since you left the facility prior to them terminating you, you did not complete your contract. If they would have terminated you, then they would not have the right to ask for the money.

While I agree with the other posters that something doesn't sound right, it sounds as if they forced you to make a decision to leave prior to them "officially" terminating your position, therefore protecting themselves and their money.

Did you get any notification in writing that they were downsizing and that your position was being eliminated? If you did, you may have a good argument not to pay them back...if not.....

Essarge basically states the way it is...

While I agree it stinks they did this, the fact is... you ceased to work for them before the contract was completed on your "bonus".

I have warned many students NOT to take what I call the "indentured slavery" that some facilities are offering to nursing students in the form of a "scholarship". It is NOT a scholarship -- if you do not work the contracted 6 months per $500 of money given to you in school AFTER graduating (provided that 1) you graduate and 2) you pass the NCLEX) you must repay them. It is a loan, complete with a contract (promissary note).

BEFORE you accept money with terms attached, KNOW YOUR TERMS and be willing to pay it back. Or, simply do not accept it at all. Should you choose to take the money, put it into an interest bearing account and save it until your contract is fulfilled. Because until that contracted time is over, it really isn't your money free-and-clear.

This is basic contract law, and by accepting the terms and the money you are bound by that contract.

Originally posted by essarge

I hate to say this (and be the devil's advocate) but since you left the facility prior to them terminating you, you did not complete your contract. If they would have terminated you, then they would not have the right to ask for the money.

While I agree with the other posters that something doesn't sound right, it sounds as if they forced you to make a decision to leave prior to them "officially" terminating your position, therefore protecting themselves and their money.

Did you get any notification in writing that they were downsizing and that your position was being eliminated? If you did, you may have a good argument not to pay them back...if not.....

Essarge basically states the way it is...

While I agree it stinks they did this, the fact is... you ceased to work for them before the contract was completed on your "bonus".

I have warned many students NOT to take what I call the "indentured slavery" that some facilities are offering to nursing students in the form of a "scholarship". It is NOT a scholarship -- if you do not work the contracted 6 months per $500 of money given to you in school AFTER graduating (provided that 1) you graduate and 2) you pass the NCLEX) you must repay them. It is a loan, complete with a contract (promissary note).

BEFORE you accept money with terms attached, KNOW YOUR TERMS and be willing to pay it back. Or, simply do not accept it at all. Should you choose to take the money, put it into an interest bearing account and save it until your contract is fulfilled. Because until that contracted time is over, it really isn't your money free-and-clear.

This is basic contract law, and by accepting the terms and the money you are bound by that contract.

Hmmm... Run all this by the Federal Dept. of Wage and Hour (look in the phone book under Federal agencies) See what they think about this.

Hmmm... Run all this by the Federal Dept. of Wage and Hour (look in the phone book under Federal agencies) See what they think about this.

Specializes in cardiac, diabetes, OB/GYN.

VERY fishy...Don't let them off the hook....

Specializes in cardiac, diabetes, OB/GYN.

VERY fishy...Don't let them off the hook....

raphael, love the way you think...............agree this would be a good starting strategy, then follow up as suggested w/ requests to keep the money all the way up to the CEO..............will take awhile before collection agency is contacted................use that time well

raphael, love the way you think...............agree this would be a good starting strategy, then follow up as suggested w/ requests to keep the money all the way up to the CEO..............will take awhile before collection agency is contacted................use that time well

+ Add a Comment