nursing contract??

[sstei5988]

I'm going to into my last semester of nursing school (yay!!!). I work at a local hospital right now in ICU, they've offered me an externship in the Emergency Department, which is like my dream area to work in. However, they want me to sign a contract that obligates me to work for them for 2 years upon getting my license. If I were to leave before the two years, or get terminated I would have to pay them $18,000. I don't really like the town that I currently live in, its very small and I have no family/friends here, so that would be the one detriment about this contract . What are your thoughts on signing the contract??

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

If you don't want or don't intend to fulfill the obligations in the contract, then don't sign it and look elsewhere for a job.

Contracts are common in nurse extern/nurse residency programs. It helps the hospital ensure that they are getting a return on their investment. New hires, particularly new graduate nurses, require a lot of resources (cost a lot of money) to train. If those nurses go through orientation only to turn around and leave, the hospital would be continually losing money. A contractual obligation for X years of service means that the hospital is minimizing their potential financial losses, and you get the benefit of a job as a new graduate (which, depending on your geographical location, may not be too easy to find).

[VerticalHorizon]

Double Helix summed it up nicely. If you dont think you want to work there two years then dont sign it and look for employment that does not require a contract. But many EDs, ICUs, etc require a contract because of the extensive training and money being spent.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

I agree with above posters

[Extra Pickles]

Decision is yours just remember that breaking the contract means a lot of money lost on your part and probably a burned resume bridge. too many times new grads want to back out of their contracts because something better came along or they didn't like where they are working so they think it's no big deal to break the contract, but it really is. It's expensive for everyone.

If you intend to stay in this job for at least 2 years after licensing then take the deal, and stick to it. If you have doubts and think you might want to leave in a year or so then don't take the deal.