Hospitals Pay for Nurses to Return to School?

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Hi all,

I'm currently a pre-RN (waiting to hear back on an Accelerated BSN program!) and I'm interested in eventually becoming an advanced practice nurse of some sort (mental health and acute care are both very interesting for me, though I'm also considering anesthesia). The accelerated program I applied to had a direct entry MSN program I could have applied to as well, which would have led to me graduating in 3 yrs with both a BSN and MSN. I chose not to do it so that I could have time as a floor nurse and get to know which area I enjoy most.

Recently, I've wondered if this might also be a good decision because my future hospital might pay for me to become a nurse practitioner. Is this common practice? I know many jobs pay their employees (by way of offering tuition reimbursement) to go back to school for advanced degrees that will help them in their current job. Does anyone know if hospitals do this for RNs? Do they pay (or help pay) for RNs to become nurse practioners? I'd love to know ahead of time so I can try to plan to take advantage of that upon employment as an RN! :)

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Used to be real great benes for edu. Now, not so much. I'd look into where you "could" work and see what's offered as you get close. I have not heard of any facility paying for your NP. You might get a bit of reimbursement towards classes you take. But, keep in mind, often you have to sign in blood these days. Also, just keep in mind there might be some big time delays in your game plan. Just concentrate on getting that first job for now.

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

Many places offer tuition reimbursement as part of their benefits. However it does come with strings attached in the form of some type of time commitment to the hospital. If you leave prior to the commitment you will most likely have to pay it back.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

my facility is still offering tuition reimbursement, even for NP. We kept the last one who graduated which is nice for everyone all around.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I feel fortunate to work for a facility that will pay my tuition for a graduate degree and I did not have to sign a contract. In addition, there is no cap on how many degrees my facility will reimburse for tuition...so I'm wanting to get back to school soon before the policy changes!

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Hi all,

I'm currently a pre-RN (waiting to hear back on an Accelerated BSN program!) and I'm interested in eventually becoming an advanced practice nurse of some sort (mental health and acute care are both very interesting for me, though I'm also considering anesthesia). The accelerated program I applied to had a direct entry MSN program I could have applied to as well, which would have led to me graduating in 3 yrs with both a BSN and MSN. I chose not to do it so that I could have time as a floor nurse and get to know which area I enjoy most.

Recently, I've wondered if this might also be a good decision because my future hospital might pay for me to become a nurse practitioner. Is this common practice? I know many jobs pay their employees (by way of offering tuition reimbursement) to go back to school for advanced degrees that will help them in their current job. Does anyone know if hospitals do this for RNs? Do they pay (or help pay) for RNs to become nurse practioners? I'd love to know ahead of time so I can try to plan to take advantage of that upon employment as an RN! :)

It depends on where you work. In NYC many hospitals include tuition reimbursement as one of the benefits of employment and in the hospital where I work it includes NP education.

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The hospital I work for will provide tuition reimbursement, but only at the SON associated with the hospital/university. There is another tuition reimbursement plan that may be used toward other schools, but it's significantly less money and would not cover all costs for an advanced practice degree.

As some other posters mentioned though, I wouldn't plan your graduate education around any benefits until you actually have a job. It is a tough market out there right now and there is no guarantee of what job you will get or what benefits will be tied to it.

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Specializes in Home health was tops, 2nd was L&D.

Every hospital is different, even if just down the road. And by the time you are ready for those benefits, things could be very different then at this present time.. Get you RN license and then see what you can find, and compare all the angles. Best of luck with your journey:)

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