Published Sep 29, 2007
casperrn06
1 Post
has anyone applied for the 2007 NELRP?
EricJRN, MSN, RN
1 Article; 6,683 Posts
Are you referring to the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program? (I haven't - just trying to clarify.)
ohmeowzer RN, RN
2,306 Posts
how do apply for nerlp and what is it?
ttt3471
4 Posts
http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/loanrepay.htm
NELRP is a government loan repayment program for nurses in nursing shortage areas. When I applied 2 years ago all nursing homes [where I work] were considered shortage areas. I think it can vary from year to year; you need to check out the website for more info. If you're selected you have to sign a contract promising to work full-time at your facility for the 2 years. Then you can apply for a 3rd year if you want to-I chose not to because I'm not sure I can make it another year and want to keep my options open.
deleern
510 Posts
I received it this spring after applying 3 years in a row.
Almabella
81 Posts
STAY AWAY!
Did you read this part?
"K. Breaching the NELRP Contract
The following applies to applicants who breach their NELRP contract:
* Effect of Not Completing 2 Years of Service - A participant who fails to complete 2 years of full-time service at an approved CSF is liable to repay all the NELRP payments he or she received, plus interest at the maximum legal prevailing rate. Breach of the contract will permanently disqualify the individual from receiving future awards under the NELRP and some other Federal programs.
I had a scholarship for nursing school through the National Health Service Corps. When my father developed a terminal illness and I decided to move home to be near him, I entered into the biggest bureaucratic nightmare of my life! The NHSC is also under the DHHS.
You never know what will happen to you in your life. You're better off consolidating and paying off your loans on your own.
RainDreamer, BSN, RN
3,571 Posts
Yep, I applied for the NELRP for this year, and just received a letter that I have been awarded a 2 year contract and will get 60% of my student loans paid off.
Check out the website posted above. It's a very thorough and timely application process, but well worth it if you get accepted!
If you have any specific questions with the application process, let me know, as this was my 2nd year applying for it.
Tweety, BSN, RN
35,418 Posts
That's awesome Rain!
I currently work in a hospital with a critical need and was going to inquire since the application months are coming due again if they repay RN to BSN or just the initial RN. Anyone know? I'll find out on my own soon enough, but enquiring minds want to know now. LOL
STAY AWAY!Did you read this part?"K. Breaching the NELRP ContractThe following applies to applicants who breach their NELRP contract: * Effect of Not Completing 2 Years of Service - A participant who fails to complete 2 years of full-time service at an approved CSF is liable to repay all the NELRP payments he or she received, plus interest at the maximum legal prevailing rate. Breach of the contract will permanently disqualify the individual from receiving future awards under the NELRP and some other Federal programs.I had a scholarship for nursing school through the National Health Service Corps. When my father developed a terminal illness and I decided to move home to be near him, I entered into the biggest bureaucratic nightmare of my life! The NHSC is also under the DHHS.You never know what will happen to you in your life. You're better off consolidating and paying off your loans on your own.
I'm so sorry about your situation.
In this situation, I'm not sure I agree. If one was going to pay the loans back anyway, then having to repay them if they move shouldn't be that big of a deal. (Of course the interest payments could be a bear.) But declining the offer if you have a job in a facility you like and plan on staying anyway, based on the fear that something will come up, may not be the wisest decision.
Guess you have to balance the risks and benefits very carefully and not go into it without full knowledge of what you're doing.
That's awesome Rain!I currently work in a hospital with a critical need and was going to inquire since the application months are coming due again if they repay RN to BSN or just the initial RN. Anyone know? I'll find out on my own soon enough, but enquiring minds want to know now. LOL
Thanks Tweets! I'm so excited about it, after they take taxes out, it'll reduce my student loans by almost half, which is great!
I'm not sure if they repay for RN to BSN, but you can email them at: [email protected] and they should be able to tell you.
I'm so sorry about your situation.In this situation, I'm not sure I agree. If one was going to pay the loans back anyway, then having to repay them if they move shouldn't be that big of a deal. (Of course the interest payments could be a bear.) But declining the offer if you have a job in a facility you like and plan on staying anyway, based on the fear that something will come up, may not be the wisest decision.Guess you have to balance the risks and benefits very carefully and not go into it without full knowledge of what you're doing.
I agree. And if for some reason you do have to move while you're locked in your 2-year contract, you can request a transfer to another DSH hospital in the area you move to.
I am just leery of any program related to the DHHS after my terrible experience with the NHSC. I personally would NEVER sign any sort of contract with the government stating that I would work for them for X amount of time for loan/tuition repayment. The loan repayment program is more flexible than the NHSC, that is for sure. But you are still committed to working full time (at least, I think) and some things do arise in life that make it difficult and/or impossible to work, such as caring for an ill family member.
All I am saying is from my experience I highly recommend thinking twice about signing any contract with anyone stating that you will work for them in return for payment of loans/tuition. I wish someone would have said that to me prior to my signing a contract with the NHSC. Then again, I probably would have thought, "there's no reason to turn down this great opportunity based on what might happen..."