Info/Advice Needed Regarding St. Thomas Nurse Residency

[Kebby1016]

Hi all,

I have spent the last couple of weeks submitting multiple applications to tristar and st. Thomas facilities. I received a phone call from a rep at St. Thomas who said she'd been reviewing my resume and wanted to learn more about my experience. As I had put on my resume, I told her I have no previous RN experience, but talked more about the work experience I do have. She said all new grads come in through the nurse residency program (90 days orienting in different units with a preceptor), but the next cohort begins 10/26, very soon. She offered to ask the nurse in charge of the residency program if I could still be considered for that starting date, but thought it might be too late. She also told me there is a 2 yr commitment beyond residency completion. I'm concerned about starting so soon if I did get in for the 10/26 start date because I have a young baby that I'd have to arrange care for, and that doesn't leave much time to really search for the best candidate. Also, I was aware that sign on bonuses had to be repaid if contracts were broken, but I'd not heard of "new grad contracts." Is anyone familiar with what the penalty is for the st. Thomas system if you break contract? Can I get some feedback on their residency program in general? Good, bad? Was it a good learning environment? Do you have your classes and precepting shifts during the hours you originally applied for? I applied for all nights positions as my husband would be able to be with our baby then for the bulk of my shifts. I haven't even been offered a formal interview at this point, but I'd appreciate any input you all might have, just in case I do hear back from them. Thank you!

[Margotrita]

St. Thomas now requires its nurse residency participants to sign a contract requiring the new grad to reimburse St. Thomas if you do not complete 2 years of employment (that time frame begins when your initial orientation ends). The repayment amount is $8000 and then is pro-rated based on time "served." If you have a lot of transition in your life, this might not be the program for you.

Good luck and welcome to Nashville!