$8000 to lock down my 2yrs of life?!

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State of California is offering a "Health Professions Scholarship" which gives a student up to $8k and in exchange for a 2 yr service in Medically Underserved Area (MUAs- which is pretty much everywhere in CA). I like the money, but don't think it's enough to justify for a 2yr lock down right after nursing school. Some might argue it's a good starter track, straight from school to a solid job.

Any input is welcome.

thanks in advance,

Mike.

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Specializes in CVICU-ICU.

What is right for others might not be right for you. 8000$ could be the make or break for someone needing the $$$ to go thru school and they might welcome the chance to receive it in exchange for working 2 years for the people that provided them with the opportunity to finish their education.

If this doesnt feel like it is something that is right for you no one is forcing you to do it.

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Specializes in LTC/SNF, Psychiatric, Pharmaceutical.
State of California is offering a "Health Professions Scholarship" which gives a student up to $8k and in exchange for a 2 yr service in Medically Underserved Area (MUAs- which is pretty much everywhere in CA). I like the money, but don't think it's enough to justify for a 2yr lock down right after nursing school. Some might argue it's a good starter track, straight from school to a solid job.

Any input is welcome.

thanks in advance,

Mike.

I've heard about things like this, I think they do this with med students and teachers as well.

Personally, I'd be hesitant about signing any contract that mandates you stay at a place for very long periods of time. There are too many iffy situations where nursing is involved. If something goes sour, you're either stuck working in a toxic environment or you're going to be at risk for a lawsuit for whatever you didn't work off. I would be equally hesitant to sign a contract with a corporate hospital for tuition assistance.

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I signed on for a similar contract. Some days, I regret it, but I really had no other choice.

I sometimes jokingly refer to myself as an indentured servant, but that is essentially what it comes down to. It does add some extra stress every step of the way, to know that you really can't fail, because the consequences are now that much higher.

At the same time, what I did allowed me opportunities that weren't available to me otherwise. I basicallly couldn't have gone to nursing school or gotten medical care that I needed without the funds that I obtained this way.

It can be a good deal. Just think hard before you accept it.

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Specializes in Rural Health.

I did it thru another state (not CA).

I received $5000 per year to go to school.

It's what got me thru school, living expenses and items I needed to get thru school. I could not have done it without this program.

For me it's 2 years and not necessarily at the same site - good thing to keep in mind. I was able to move to any site as long as it was still a deemed a healthcare shortage area which is basically everywhere I lived/worked.

We couldn't move because we own a business.

The only downfall is there are facilities that were MUCH closer to my home but that are located in another state.

But I had to suck it up basically because my education was free for 2 years of "service".

There were scholarships thru healthcare facilities that were similar in nature but that tied me to one location and one facility for X amount of years and I just couldn't imagine.

The option is there for me to use a similar program to obtain my MSN and I have chosen not to because I want the freedom to move to another state if needed when I graduate.

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Specializes in med/surg, ortho, rehab, ltc.
I did it thru another state (not CA).

I received $5000 per year to go to school.

It's what got me thru school, living expenses and items I needed to get thru school. I could not have done it without this program.

For me it's 2 years and not necessarily at the same site - good thing to keep in mind. I was able to move to any site as long as it was still a deemed a healthcare shortage area which is basically everywhere I lived/worked.

We couldn't move because we own a business.

The only downfall is there are facilities that were MUCH closer to my home but that are located in another state.

But I had to suck it up basically because my education was free for 2 years of "service".

There were scholarships thru healthcare facilities that were similar in nature but that tied me to one location and one facility for X amount of years and I just couldn't imagine.

The option is there for me to use a similar program to obtain my MSN and I have chosen not to because I want the freedom to move to another state if needed when I graduate.

My finances were tight when I was accepted into an ADN program in '94. I signed a contract with a local hospital like mom2michael mentioned. They gave me a total of $2,000.00 spread over 2 yrs. Upon graduation I would repay it by working full-time as a staff RN for 2 yrs. Anyone who didn't graduate or decided not to work for that hospital had 6 months to pay the 2K back.

I was really grateful for any tuition assistance. When I graduated I needed to move out of state for family reasons so I paid it back.

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Specializes in M/S.

Tzu911, I did something similar to what you are talking about. My local hospital paid for my ADN year in exchange for 2 years in hours of my time but I am not locked into it. I can leave at anytime but I have to pay back what I have left. If they decide to terminate me I owe nothing. I also got this forgivable loan through my state. I have student loans and if I work in Rural hospitals (which is all but maybe 4 counties) for 4 years I get 10,000 forgiven. There are many things out there for nurses to help us get through school because of the shortage. Good luck with your schooling

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

Both of our local hospitals offered 5000 a year...up to 2 years, for 2 years of working for them afterward. However, I felt that was locking you into a particular health system, giving you no chance to go interview elsewhere because you would have had to pay it with interest.

Also, the few students who did this option found that they had less options when it came to being hired for specialty areas, as they "had" to take the job in the system...whatever it was.

The state option was to go to work in medically underserved areas...like inner-city chicago or downstate...neither of which appealed to me. So, go figure....you take it if you want it, but be aware of the downsides. some peeps need the money.

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, Emergency, SAFE.

Try being locked down for 5 years!!! :rolleyes: Thats mE!

My hospital offers help with buying homes and I took them up on it ( to the tune of almost $14,000!!!)...only thing being you have to sign a 5yr contract.

It was (and still is) worth it. I've got 3 1/2 years left and no plans on leaving anytime soon. Theyre also paying completely for my schooling and pay me full time when I only work 24 hrs a week. Ive certainly been blessed.

Theres a lot of oppurtunities, if you know where to look. Only you can make the choice on whether its something you can handle or not. .

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Specializes in CCRN, ICU, ER, MS, WCC, PICC RN.

I was awarded this scholarship. It has been really pain-free. I live in a rural part of California where I would have worked anyway. It has been determined to be medically underserved, so it qualifies. All the hospitals in the area are qualified. I just go to work like I normally would.

They also offer loan forgiveness for BSN programs and as soon as I fulfill this contract, I am applying for another so I can have my loans forgiven.

The greatest thing about this program is 30-40% of qualified applicants who apply recieve an award. Nice to know all the paperwork involved is not for a 1-in-5,000 shot.

I say do it.

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State of California is offering a "Health Professions Scholarship" which gives a student up to $8k and in exchange for a 2 yr service in Medically Underserved Area (MUAs- which is pretty much everywhere in CA). I like the money, but don't think it's enough to justify for a 2yr lock down right after nursing school. Some might argue it's a good starter track, straight from school to a solid job.

Any input is welcome.

thanks in advance,

Mike.

Lots of people would jump at the opportunity. I partially funded my graduate studies through a similar program offered by my state, and was v. happy with my experience. But if it doesn't appeal to you, no one is twisting your arm. It's your choice to make.

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Specializes in M/S.

Like I said before I got my ADN payed for for 2 year in hours at my local hospital. It gives me the opportunity to get the 2 year M/S experience that most places require if you want to travel or specialty.

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