leaving a contract at a hospital early- not traveling RN

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Hello,

Has anyone ever left an RN contract at a hospital early? I had to sign a two year contract at my current hospital and it states I have to pay $15,000 to the hospital if I leave before two years. It seems like a scare tactic to me. I am not a new nurse, but the hospital states this is the cost of my "training". I googled the training company and it only costs the hospital around $600 for the training software max. The hospital is awful, the worst I have ever worked for. I cannot bear the thought of working there for two years and won't risk my license. They also had me sign the contract on false information. They stated they had a great retention rate and rarely had an opening and I started working there and found out they hired 7 new nurses, etc. Has anyone been in this situation? I appreciate any feedback.

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I've never been in that situation myself, but hospitals pay lots of money to have good legal counsel (to do things like draw up contracts like this for them), and I would certainly not assume the contract is a "scare tactic." I would read over the contract you signed v. carefully and maybe discuss it with an attorney before you do anything like submit a resignation from your current job.

I'm no legal authority, but I would bet that anything they told you verbally does not constitute "false information" that could void the contract.

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You need to contact a lawyer and have him look at the contract. $15,000 sounds excessive, but you would be surprised what rights you can sign away. Verbal contracts are binding in some states, but they are harder to prove.

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I have heard of contracts like this. And one hospital system I worked for had new nurses sign contracts like this. I didn't sign one because I was in management. Someone did quit before the contract ended but I'm not sure what happened. The contracts were the same amount as yours. $15,000 repayment.

Contact an attorney.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Do not for a second assume that the repayment clause of your contract is a scare tactic. You signed the contract and you should be prepared to pay. Any "training software" is just the tip of the iceberg vested in training expenses. But that doesn't even matter. If you signed the contract for $15,000, that is what will be sought.

Can you state the date, time and place that "they" gave you false information? Do you know who it was? Do you have it in writing? It's extremely doubtful that any verbal information given in your interview/orientation process could cause that contract to be voided.

Your best bet likely is to attempt to negotiate a reduced settlement. Don't be surprised if they won't settle - they're probably tired of nurses not fulfilling their contractual obligations.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

It doesn't matter what you determined the actual cost of the training to be worth. You signed the contract agreeing to repay 15k if you left early. There was no coercion or dishonesty here as you were informed of the terms before you signed on the dotted line.

As far as what they told you verbally about great rentention, etc...some of that can easily be argued as perspective: what they consider to be great retention may not be the same as you consider it. Doesn't mean you--or they--are in the wrong, just that you both have different standards.

Now if you want to get a lawyer to try to fight things and/or renegotiate the cost, that is up to you. Though IMO, I don't see it going very far...but only you can make that call.

Best of luck whatever happens.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

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You signed a contract and without a lawyer looking at it it is binding. It is NOT a scare tactic...they are very serious about this and will come after you.......I would contact a lawyer.
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Ugh what a situation to be in. Hire a lawyer ASAP and best of luck!

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The information they provided is all relative. If 500 people applied and only 7 were hired thats not a ton of openings. My flood alone hired like 10 new nurses in one summer, and we're relatively small. Also orientation for a new nurse is expensive. While doing hospital orientation, floor orientation you're getting paid a salary, but don't count as staff - you're just learning. Thats a very large cost.

I wouldn't take it so lightly. I'm not sure if they could send it to a collection agency if you chose not to pay, but you def. need to do some research. I signed a contract for a 10k sign on bonus for a 3 year commitment. I don't plan on staying all 3 years and plan on paying back what I owe. I signed the papers. I committed.

Maybe you can transfer some place else within the organization.

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I also signed a 2 year contract and I don't intend to complete it. I can't recall the exact amount they charged us for "tuition" for the very useless new grad program but I think it was $8000. I know that each month we work there we are forgiven a certain amount. I've heard through the grapevine that they rarely attempt to collect the monies due but it won't break my heart to buyout the rest of my contract. I'm having a baby and want to take some time off to breastfeed and don't care to return to work for my hospital.

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