new grad has to repay hospital for quitting during orientation?

elkpark · Dec 21, 2009

We've been hearing more accounts of this type of arrangement over the last couple years or so. Was this spelled out in a contract you signed? If so, they've probably got you (I'm sure they had the hospital attorneys draw up the contract form so that people won't be able to get out of their obligations.)

I know there are some older threads here about this very topic (quitting and getting told you owe the hospital some huge amount of money, or wanting to quit, but being in a contract like this).

ris_03tdgz · Dec 22, 2009

Can you please give me a link of topics similar to this in the forum? I would appreciate it! i am freaking out right now, I know i can't handle the stress at the hospital anymore but I also know I can't repay them either! I feel so trapped. I only remember signing for the sign-on bonus which I have not received yet since they start giving the sign on bonus after the 90 day orientation period.

elkpark · Dec 22, 2009

Here are a few of the threads I found using the "search" button (they seem to be spread out all over the place):

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/3-year-contract-395994.html

https://allnurses.com/florida-nurses/employment-contract-binding-181211.html

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/sign-bonus-contract-219894.html

https://allnurses.com/micu-sicu-nursing/10-000-penalty-213769.html

You would certainly want to reread the contract you signed earlier before making a decision about what to do. Best wishes!

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Dec 22, 2009

Was this not told to you when you got hired? Did you not have to sign a contract? When I got hired I had to sign a contract for my bonus that states I have to pay it back if I quit before two years; or get fired. It totally sucks because you have to pay back what they paid you, but what you get after taxes is significantly less because bonuses are taxed higher than actual income...so if you quit/get fired you actually have to pay more than for your bonus, not just give it back

caliotter3 · Dec 22, 2009

If this was in the contract you signed, they have you. That is why a person needs to read these things and ask questions to make sure they are fully aware of what they are committing themselves to. If you can't pay back the money, can you rescind your resignation?

iRN86 · Dec 22, 2009

Just wanted to say Good Luck in whatever path you decide to take.

i'm curious btw, is this valley health system in ridgewood nj? thanks

ris_03tdgz · Dec 24, 2009

No its not in NJ iRN86.

ris_03tdgz · Dec 24, 2009

Thank you everyone. I pushed through with the resignation and agreed to pay the amount for breaking the two year contract. Working there caused me a great amount of stress and anxiety to the point that I could no longer enjoy my life outside of work. I cant sleep, I get anxiety attacks during my work days and when I'm off, I can hardly enjoy my meals, most of the time I just want to lie down and bury myself in bed. I am bummed about paying but I feel relieved as well. Now I have to decide whether or not I should give up nursing altogether and start a new career or should I give nursing another try? I have another job opportunity at a LTAC, right now I don't have any other jobs that are non-nursing related. I am considering this option just so I can have a job but I am still so scared and anxious about working as a nurse, I am worried that I might not be able to handle it and quit again. A friend of mine works in the same facility and she warned me that the grass is not greener on the other side, but I like the fact that they dont get admits/discharge every shift -- this is part of the reason why I could not handle medsurg because it was too fast-paced for me. I dont know if this "fear" is just all in my head or am I really not cut out for nursing? Please help! Should I try working in LTAC?

elkpark · Dec 24, 2009

Thank you everyone. I pushed through with the resignation and agreed to pay the amount for breaking the two year contract. Working there caused me a great amount of stress and anxiety to the point that I could no longer enjoy my life outside of work. I cant sleep, I get anxiety attacks during my work days and when I'm off, I can hardly enjoy my meals, most of the time I just want to lie down and bury myself in bed. I am bummed about paying but I feel relieved as well. Now I have to decide whether or not I should give up nursing altogether and start a new career or should I give nursing another try? I have another job opportunity at a LTAC, right now I don't have any other jobs that are non-nursing related. I am considering this option just so I can have a job but I am still so scared and anxious about working as a nurse, I am worried that I might not be able to handle it and quit again. A friend of mine works in the same facility and she warned me that the grass is not greener on the other side, but I like the fact that they dont get admits/discharge every shift -- this is part of the reason why I could not handle medsurg because it was too fast-paced for me. I dont know if this "fear" is just all in my head or am I really not cut out for nursing? Please help! Should I try working in LTAC?

I'm sure you don't want to hear this right now, but the feelings you're describing are extremely common for new graduates anywhere. The transition from nursing student to practicing nurse is notoriously stressful and difficult -- you pretty much have to just hunker down, grit your teeth, and suffer through the first year, and it gets better after that (I remember when people used to graduate from nursing school knowing this and expecting that their first hear was going to be miserable -- apparently, we've quit telling nursing students about this).

I would encourage you to not give up on nursing until you've given it at least a full year of full-time work somewhere, and see how you feel then. Best wishes!

freeflowchi · Dec 25, 2009

Thank you everyone. I pushed through with the resignation and agreed to pay the amount for breaking the two year contract. Working there caused me a great amount of stress and anxiety to the point that I could no longer enjoy my life outside of work. I cant sleep, I get anxiety attacks during my work days and when I'm off, I can hardly enjoy my meals, most of the time I just want to lie down and bury myself in bed. I am bummed about paying but I feel relieved as well. Now I have to decide whether or not I should give up nursing altogether and start a new career or should I give nursing another try? I have another job opportunity at a LTAC, right now I don't have any other jobs that are non-nursing related. I am considering this option just so I can have a job but I am still so scared and anxious about working as a nurse, I am worried that I might not be able to handle it and quit again. A friend of mine works in the same facility and she warned me that the grass is not greener on the other side, but I like the fact that they dont get admits/discharge every shift -- this is part of the reason why I could not handle medsurg because it was too fast-paced for me. I dont know if this "fear" is just all in my head or am I really not cut out for nursing? Please help! Should I try working in LTAC?

I cannot imagine how overwhelmed you are feeling right now. However, if I had two job opportunities right now, there is no way I would quit. With the shortage of positions available, I hope you can see how lucky you are to have a position at all. At least get your obligatory one year in before quitting, then you will be able to do what you want and still have your one year behind you if you want to come back. And find out if it is okay to talk to your preceptor. He/she may be able to help.

Sand_Dollar, BSN · Dec 29, 2009

Don't forget ris_03tdgz, there are a wide variety of specialties to consider. What about looking into school nursing or maybe even occupational? That's the wonderful thing about nursing, we don't all have to work in hospitals. Good luck to you!!