New grad trained in HCA specialty, contract position--question

[Elisgirl]

Hi all,

I was hired as a new grad in a specialty area by an HCA facility and I was required to sign a 2 year contract in return for 2 months of classroom training and a 3 month preceptorship. I have found that I am so stressed out in this particular specialty--the highly litigious nature of the specialty and the stress of the job itself are both causing me so much anxiety and dread. I had no idea I would feel like this since I didn't know much about the specialty (L&D) before I started and I was really just so happy to get offered a job after looking and applying to so many places. I don't know if I can handle staying for 2 years feeling the way that I do--I'm not an adrenaline junkie, which seems to be required in this specialty. I want to give it a year, though--see if my anxiety gets better as I get more skilled at the job, etc. Transferring to another department right now is not an option since my contract states specifically I have to work in this particular dept. or else I'm breaking contract and owe them money. I would have to pay back $4000 if I left after a year. Question is this--if I was able to make payments to pay off $4000 at the end of the year and ask to be transferred to another dept within HCA (like if a psych RN position were open, etc.), is that something that could be possible or would that not be allowed even if I paid the $4000 for the other specialty training that I owed? Psych is my first love and always has been--this has always been my goal and yes, I know psych can be stressful too but it is a different kind of stress, one which I am very good at handling. Just looking for advice from people in the know. Thanks.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

You would have to ask them what they will allow or not. Better yet look at your contract. Those are typically pretty clear in what they do and do not allow.

[Elisgirl]

Hi Xoe--looked at my contract but it doesn't mention anything about being able to transfer to another specialty if you arrange to pay them what they owe for remainder of contract.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

Then I would as the HR dept. They would be the ones to know what you can and cannot do. Good luck.

.

[RunninOnCoffee]

I signed a very similar contract with HCA. Just one year into the contract my husband's job transferred to the other side of the state and I had to leave that job and HCA. With this specific hospital they did send a letter to me stating the remaining dollar amount on the contract but no other action was taken. There have actually been several from my class that have since left breaking the contract and with this specific hospital it was not enforced. Again I can only speak of the hospital I worked for in south Florida. I would speak with HR. The class I took was ICU and with that one you were able to work within all different departments in the hospital, but I can understand L&D is a specialized field. I hope you find something that truly makes you happy!

[Elisgirl]

FLICURN, would you mind if I PM you with a question?

[RunninOnCoffee]

Sure!! No prob!! :)

[A~L~B]

I also did this program with HCA. One year in I accepted a job at a different hospital. I was fully prepared to pay my way out. I left seven months ago and am now back per diem once a week. I have never been asked to pay the remainder.

[RN3339]

It truly just comes down to what your HR Dept decides at that time. I've seen people leave 6 months in and not have to pay back a dime and others leave at a year and have to pay back their prorated amount. I believe when the time comes if the hospital has a need in the area you want to transfer to the will probably strike a deal with you. While they will have to invest in more training for you, at least you would be staying with the facility.

With that being said, L&D is not always an easy transition as a new grad and it can take a year or two to truly feel comfortable with your skills/nursing judgment no matter where you work.

I would see how you feel when you reach a year in and if you still feel like you need the change have a discussion with HR. I would be surprised if they didn't try to work something out with you, especially if you're willing to reimburse them if they require it.

Good luck to you!

[Elisgirl]

I talked to my manager and was able to transfer to a less stressful department (mother/baby)! I guess the lesson is, you don't know what the options are until you ask, and I'm glad I did. She was very understanding and helpful and I feel a lot better.

[RN3339]

That's AWESOME. So glad to hear it worked out for you. I agree dealing with mom/baby is definitely better on the other side of the labor/delivery process ;-)

[krys07]

Hi FLICURN,

Can you tell me about the ICU training for HCA? Like the class times and how many times per week?

Thanks in advance !