Jobs with contracts

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Specializes in Emergency; med-surg; mat-child.

There are jobs available near me that require a contract for hire. Generally, they say you have to put in X hours for them to get a return on their investment. So maybe you work FT for 6 months before you are clear to quit without repercussions.

I am starting to think that if I haven't gotten an interview by the end of August, I may apply at the contract job, but it still makes me nervous. Have any of you had experience with jobs like this? I think it would be good experience, since it's working with pts on vents, but I don't like the idea of being locked into a contract, especially in an at-will state.

Thoughts?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Take a larger view on this... it really isn't about YOU exactly.

Kudos to the organization for figuring out how to get the higher-ups to let them continue to hire new grads. Most facilities have simply looked at the expense & high turnover and said "no thanks". That's why they're doing this.

A contract can also protect your interests. Read it carefully and question anything you don't understand. See if you can include specifics on training, precptorship, guaranteed hours per week (so you don't get hours cut due to low census) - hey, it's worth a try.

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Specializes in Emergency; med-surg; mat-child.

I get that it isn't about "me" per se, but it is something worth considering when job hunting, no?

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

I would take a job with a contract as long as I agreed with the terms. If it seems like a good work situation you would want to stay there at least 1-2years. Read the fine print--is do you owe them anything if you resign early, etc..

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Don't wait to apply. Apply. Competition is fierce even for these jobs. Don't fool yourself into thinking they are less desirable.

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Specializes in Psych, Peds, Education, Infection Control.

I've worked jobs like that, which require a return on investment, and usually they provide the best training of any job I've worked. I would apply. I'm currently contracted in a different way - agency, so if I find a place I really love I can't just jump ship and work for them unless it's been x number of months since I worked a shift, etc. It's a pain at times because usually the places I go really are needing to hire people...but if they really, really want me they can negotiate with my agency. But, in your case, it's a totally different type of contract...and I would definitely consider it strongly. I worked with a volunteer fire department under a similar contract in nursing school...20 hours a month and stay with them at least 6 months...but they totally paid for my uniforms, EMT classes and certification, and a bunch of other stuff. I loved it and was with them for years!

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Specializes in Emergency; med-surg; mat-child.

Yes, you DO owe if you leave early, which is why I am leery of applying.

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Many of the jobs I have seen have contracts. We were told in one of our classes its very common now because its the best way for the hospitals to be able to hire new grads and train them and not lose all that money once their trained.

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I graduate in December, and I expect to have to sign a contract for at least a year. We were told by instructors first semester that it cost a hospital around $75,000 to train a new grad RN. If you leave after 6 months, they have spent all of their money to train you to work for someone else. Just because you have an RN lic (and even a BSN) you are not a fully trained nurse.

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Specializes in Med Surg.

Do you plan on moving out of the area any time soon? If not, you've got nothing to lose by applying. I'd be surprised if the contract was for an intolerable length of time, even if you turned out not to like the position.

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I currently work at a facility where they hire new grads with an 18 month contract and I feel locked in for sure, but I am also learning as much as possible. There are some benefits of being contracted such as: they provide you with classes, gradually orient you to the unit, etc. I would say that if you are struggling to find a job and that is an option for you take it. You may or may not like the job, but after some time you will be able to leave and find another facility or unit! Think about it!! Good Luck!

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The job market is not so great these days it's really horrible... Whatever opportunity you can get to a good stable job with benefits take it. I graduated in dec 2011 and I just got hired this past month. Go for it!

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