Job Fair--Hiring Bonus

[firstinfamily, RN]

I am attending an out of state job fair that is advertising hiring bonuses for experienced nurses. I am assuming the bonus is contingent on the area need and experience. I haven't seen these hiring bonuses since the late 90's so it does attract me. Has any one interviewed in this type of process? I realize I may have to start out as a staff floor nurse, but I really want to get into Cardiac Rehab, so would not necessarily stay as a floor nurse. Would this affect the hire on bonus? I realize there is most likely some type of contract that is agreed upon and the details of that contract may determine this. Are these usually a way for the facility to get staff and then let them go before they can meet the obligations of the contract? (IE: Hire on bonus if employed on specialty floor for one year, but the facility cuts staffing before that year is over??) Any feedback is appreciated.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

In THIS job climate I would be wary of sign on bonuses . To me the quesions...WHY? Why to they have to offer a sign on bonous with a plethora of nurses out there? Unless it is in an area that is highly specialized and they want experience I would steer clear...or really do my homework and find out why.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

duplicate threads merged as per the terms of Service.

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

I am curious to know which hospital in the Baltimore DC metro area is offering a sign on bonus, or is this hospital in DE, VA, or PA?

A friend wants to move there, would you share the name of the hospital. Thanks.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

If they are offering sign on bonuses, beware. My last place of employment started that because we couldn't attract nurses. I was in a rural location then, but there were other issues.

There's a reason why the employer can't find nurses. Even experienced nurses these days....there's probably hundreds looking for work.

[firstinfamily, RN]

The hospital is in Lewes, Delaware, name is Beebe. This is on the coast in Delaware. I actually live in north-east, MD which is about 45 minutes (on a good day) from Baltimore. The area where I live is rather rural, the three hospitals in this area are very much behind the nation in nursing. They did not have a stroke center until 2010. We were doing that in south eastern Virginia in the late 80's. The other area of Delaware healthcare organization is Christiana Care, they also have a large facility. Maryland funds their healthcare regionally because, we are close to Baltimore the dollars go to that area leaving the more rural areas lacking in healthcare services. The hospital in Lewes, has expanded a lot over the last few years, they do cardiac surgery, cardiac rehab, also have a nursing school on the hospital, so there are lots of opportunities here. I am a little leary but figure it is close enough to investigate!!

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

Then Esme nailed it. Beebe even goes through travel nurses like water running down a hill. the CVICU is not what it should be. Unsafe, nursing license jeopardy, a hostile environment, and a for profit, fill all beds, high ratios mentality. Many many lawsuits. Even their own diploma school grads go elsewhere. I can not emphasize enough what a mistake it would be to sign a contract with this organization.

Christiana is a Level 1 trauma center and Tertiary care facility. They are top notch and not affiliated with Beebe. Worth the drive to Wilmington.

[Shodylocy]

Having worked at both hospitals, I wouldn't say that Christiana is that great nor would I say Beebe is that bad. The problem with Beebe is that most people come down there to vacation and not live so there are a ton of visitors - which used to be just in the summertime but now is all year long. The public school system down there is really good so more and more people are starting to move down there fulltime. Christiana, on the other hand, gets huge numbers of applicants because it's one of the biggest hospitals in the region so they don't seem to value their employees and often fire at will for pretty ridiculous things. Both hospitals have good and bad points and, in my opinion, they are pretty even as far as working conditions.