HRSA Score vs Job

[kevinm23]

Hi,

I received a HRSA scholarship back in 2018 and recently landed a job as a primary care provider with a score of 19. After accepting this offer, the coordinator that was assigned to my case emailed me to let me know that the site would not qualify for my contract since the national primary score is now 20 but I am allowed to work there to see COVID related patients and manage their care until the pandemic is over. After the pandemic is over, I will have to look for another job. I have asked multiple times to see if they can make an exception in my case to allow me to work in this clinic with a score of 19 since I can not find a clinic with a score of 20 in my area or even around the area that would satisfy their requirement. In addition, I have applied to more than 25 jobs and only a couple email/called me back. The clinic that hired me is willing to mentor me and alter the patient schedule to help accommodate my religious observance. I was wondering if anyone can give me advice on how I should approach this situation or if there is someone I should communicate with who can help make this exception. I spent over an hour on the phone speaking to them and discussing how I can't move from my area due to my health and how this job will help me become a better provider but it seems that they would not budge. So if anyone can give me some advice or tips I would really appreciate it.

Thank you

[203bravo, MSN, APRN]

As this is a government program, you will find them most rigid and unyielding in their terms. Hopefully, your contract is only 2 years. Since they are granting you a temporary accommodation and you have very specific personal requirements regarding employment (1) you cannot move and (2) your employer needs to accommodate your patient schedule for your religious observances - it would seem your best option at this point would be hope that the current state of emergency related to the COVID pandemic lasts as long as possible allowing your to accumulate as much service credit as you can and then repay any remaining monies owed. The good news is that they will allow you up to 3 years in a repayment plan.

Best of luck. 

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

I had a similar issue with the Nurse Corps Scholarship.  Have a psychiatrist or talk therapist or other provider write a note to them explaining you can't move at this time, etc.  Good luck