Nurse Breaking A Contract

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I signed a contract to complete an ICU training. I have developed health problems since I started working. Found a job that is less stressful and thats 5 days a week (day job). Employer sends letter telling me I need to pay them. Other employees that have broken their contract were not asked to pay. What should I do? It was not the job for me and it really brought upon so much stress. I don't have the money they are asking for. Should I question why I have to pay and others didn't? Help :(

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

Well you can, but what difference will it make? If you signed a contract, they can hold you to it. If they haven't enforced the contracts consistently in the past, that's their prerogative, but I don't think that protects you. You can take one of two approaches: you can request to negotiate repayment terms that are acceptable to both parties, or you can decline to repay and see if they sue you in effort to collect. Of course, if they do, they will undoubtedly win and the judgement against you will include the legal costs which could substantially increase the amount. I probably would not opt for door number 2, but I'm fiscally conservative and I prefer to meet the terms of any legal contractual obligations I make.

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Specializes in Oncology, Palliative Care.

What do you have to pay them for exactly... Did they pay for your school or give a sign on bonus or something? Don't you think NOT paying them back is sort of stealing? You DID sign a contract.

Also, in nursing, if you spend too much time comparing how you are held to different standards than others, you'll never get anything done...

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

How do you know that others weren't held to their contract obligations? If that is true, it might be that your employer has been accommodating in the past but feels that it is being taken advantage of and has decided to enforce contracts in the future. Quite frankly, I don't blame them. You signed the contract, then broke it. I understand that you had reasons to do so, but the reality is that you decided that a new position was worth it. You must now deal with the consequences of that decision. The idea of negotiating a repayment schedule is a great one. I also second the suggestion that you will pay much less in the end if you deal with the issue now, rather than letting it go into the legal system.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I agree with the others. You signed a legal document, for which there are consequences. Certainly, you are free to leave. However, it's time to put on your big girl pants in the adult world. I'd sooner negotiate with your former employer and be done with them. Should they decide to take legal action, you have no recourse.

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I know because I still talk to them (nurses have left) from time to time. Anyways, I contacted my HR consultant today (left her a voicemail) and have yet to hear back from her. I decided to pay back what I owe. It is the right thing to do. I'm hoping I can negotiate repayment methods. Thanks for your input!

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Specializes in LTC and School Health.

I broke my contract too, I now owe a whopping 3500 dollars. However, I can't put a price on happiness.

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If you signed a contract with the company, then there will probably be a fee that you will be required to pay. Good luck with your situation.

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

I am so sorry you are going through this. As per the Terms of Service we cannot offer legal advice. YOU have to do what is good for you and negotiate with the HR department. I would discuss this with an attorney.

Best wishes!

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