Kaiser Loan Forgiveness Program, easy to get accepted???

Asherah, BSN, RN · Aug 4, 2008

I've spoken to a student who entered the ABSN program last year and signed up with one of the partner hospitals for loan forgiveness. He had stated that most of the students who pursued contracts/interviewed were able to receive them.

However, I would think the admissions office would be able to tell you more specific statistics on the current cohort, if that is what you are seeking.

Max_108 · Aug 4, 2008

Thanks for the reply! I asked the people at the orientation and they basically didn't want to talk about it and said to wait until we start the program. But I just can't start the program and commit to the $ that I have to pay and find out that I can't get the help from the loan forgiveness later. :sniff:

Max_108 · Aug 6, 2008

Does any one else have any info??? Thanks

Nurse Salt · Aug 6, 2008

I received a kaiser loan forgiveness scholarship for Samuel Merritt College in May 06. They offered 20 for my cohort of 45. As far as I know, only a handful of people who applied did not receive one. I guess it depends on how many they are giving out and how many people apply. Good Luck, and be VERY certain you will want to work for Kaiser for the minimum years required...

Max_108 · Aug 6, 2008

I received a kaiser loan forgiveness scholarship for Samuel Merritt College in May 06. They offered 20 for my cohort of 45. As far as I know, only a handful of people who applied did not receive one. I guess it depends on how many they are giving out and how many people apply. Good Luck, and be VERY certain you will want to work for Kaiser for the minimum years required...

Thanks for the reply.... is there a reason why I would not want to work for Kaiser for the 2 yrs? I mean do treat their workers bad or pay less than other hospitals because we are in the loan forgiveness program???

Nurse Salt · Aug 7, 2008

Thanks for the reply.... is there a reason why I would not want to work for Kaiser for the 2 yrs? I mean do treat their workers bad or pay less than other hospitals because we are in the loan forgiveness program???

Your pay is the same and they treat you no different (most people do not even know you are a scholar). The problem I ran into was finding a job with Kaiser that suited me and my needs/wants for a nursing career. I do not know how the job market in your area is but new grad jobs in the Bay Area are harder and harder to come by with each passing year. But it is free money and 2 years will go by quickly (we had to commit to 3). Just know that jobs in a specialty area may be more difficult to get because you are limited to Kaiser. Also, we had to BEGIN working by a specific date and many of the new grad programs for Kaiser started AFTER that date and because of some students not holding up their end of the contract the prior year, they gave us NO leigh way. On the other hand, if you take the loan and decide your options with Kaiser are not what you thought, you can always opt not to work for them and pay back the loan (we had that option). Just remember they are probably charging an outrageous interest rate, so you may have to look into getting a private loan at a lower interest rate and pay that back. PM me if you have any other questions or concerns. I am happy with the Kaiser Loan, but I had mixed feelings at graduation time while trying to find a job.

Good Luck!

Max_108 · Aug 11, 2008

Thank you for the reply. I will send PM. Thanks!

Satori77, ADN · Aug 11, 2008

What exactly is this loan forgiveness program, and how do you apply? Do you already have to be an employee of Kaiser in another department? Or does it apply to people just going to nursing school, and you promise to work for them when you finish? There are TONS of Kaiser's in my area, and from what I have heard, the pay is pretty good. Thanks for any info

Max_108 · Aug 11, 2008

From what I know, you have to apply when you are in school. I don't know how it is in Colorado though. Ask your school's financial aid dept.

newstudentnurse · Jan 13, 2009

Hi Nurse Salt,

Would you be able to offer any advise on what type of questions will be asked during the interview for this Kaiser Loan Forgiveness program. I was selected as one and would like to know how I can prepare. It seems like they have selected a large group but are only giving it to very few people.

I would greatly appreciate it.

rachelzheng82 · Feb 8, 2009

Hi Newstudentnurse,

Here's some information that I just found out http://www.samuelmerritt.edu/files/SCH_02_absn_sf_nov_08_kaiser_ap.pdf

I am not sure which nursing school you want to attend, but I think the load forgivenss and repayment method will be same even though you attend different school, hope this will help.