Hospital refuses to hire nurse but demands scholarship repayment

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Hello I have a question, I am a new nurse graduated last year, before I did my NCLEX I was hired by an hospital which I am contracted with so I am a scholarship recipient, I could not work with them because I didn't have my license yet so I had ask the manager two different times to give me some time to get my license and she agreed,the requirements was to present my license Jan 3 but I did my NCLEX Jan 8 so they canceled my position.

I finally passed my NCLEX in January 8, so I then spoke to my coordinator and she said she'll tell me when they're recruiting the next cohort first she said April then canceled then they said May then canceled then June then canceled finally in July I had an interview but wasn't chosen she said I had to pay back the money so I made a complaint to their headquarters and they reach out and they add me to the fellowship program I did another interview still wasn't chosen, she finally stated again that I have to repay the scholarship now I haven't work for one year because I have a 2 year contract with this hospital and she did specify that if I don't work the two years with them I have to pay them back so I was stuck between two rocks, now they didn't hire me, I can't get any job because they stated I have no experience, I did read the contract and it started if I am not employed within 60 days it should be waived I need some advice what to do.

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2 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

It sounds like a challenging situation. Here's some advice on how to approach it:

Review the Contract. Carefully re-read the contract, especially the clause that mentions the 60-day employment condition. Ensure you understand the terms and whether the hospital is indeed obligated to waive repayment if they did not employ you within 60 days.

Documentation. Gather all the communications you've had with the hospital, including emails, letters, or any written records of conversations. This documentation will be crucial if you need to escalate the issue.

Legal Advice. Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in employment law or contract law. They can provide specific guidance based on the contract's terms and help you understand your rights and obligations.

Communication with the Hospital. Contact the hospital's HR department or your scholarship coordinator. Politely but firmly explain your situation, referencing the contract's 60-day clause. Ask for a clear explanation of why they demand repayment when the contract states otherwise.

Escalate if Necessary. If the hospital remains unresponsive or continues to demand repayment, you may need to escalate the issue, possibly involving a mediator or legal action. 

Explore Other Opportunities. What's even more important is for you to secure a job and close your employment gap as soon as possible. The longer it persists, the more it hinders your job search. As it is, you are not eligible for most new-hire residencies.

Put all your energies into landing a job. Hone your interview skills and read How to Land a Nursing Job. Landing a job requires a set of skills that can be learned and perseverance. You have a lot at stake.

So  while this is being resolved, continue to look for other nursing positions. Some employers may offer training or a fellowship that considers new nurses without experience. Consider long-term care just to get a start. 

This situation is complex, but you can protect your interests with the right steps.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

 

Thank you for this advice 

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