Nursing jobs with a sign on bonus question

avaloncar, BSN, RN · May 25, 2013

With all my job searching I have seen that most places say after a certain time, like six months or a year of work. You may have to ask them when you get hired. I would imagine it will be in the information packet.

Congrats on your offer btw!

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · May 26, 2013

Yay for you! Well done! :smug:

merlee · May 26, 2013

If they are asking for a 2 yr commitment, then it is likely that the bonus will be divided up, with the last part given at the 2-year mark. Make certain that you completely understand the premise of the bonus - is it just for the position you hired in for? Will it be affected by a transfer to another unit?

Best wishes!!!

Marshall1 · May 26, 2013

Once hired I'm sure HR will give you the details..if not, ask. Hope it works out for you!

Good luck!

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · May 26, 2013

I got a job offer from basically my dream place. As she was tellin me about the details, I found out there is a nice sign on bonus (with two year commitment)
My question is: Is there a typical time frame that you receive the sign on bonus?

I haven't heard of anyplace that someone wanted to work having a sign-on bonus anymore; they are certainly a rarity. Like the others said, make sure you read the fine print. And I hope this job turns out to be the dream you expected.

Chisca, RN · May 26, 2013

If it's your dream place anyway the sign on bonus is gravy. Sign on bonuses are usually an act of desperation by management because they have chased off the staff with horrible working conditions.

eyesopen_mouthshut, CNA · May 26, 2013

My fiance got a $10k sign on bonus from a previous place of employment (a very reputable retail pharmacy), and it was split up over a 5 year period. But just to play devil's advocate...

His place of employment started to turn sour around year 3, and pharmacists and managers were being laid off, leaving him working severe OT without the help of pharmacy technicians or other employees. Customers were frequently complaining, and in FL, the RX pill problem is very bad, so dealing with irate customers, and robberies, etc... He wanted to leave, and even pointed out to the district manager, that pharmacists were being laid off left and right. The DM's response? "We own you for another 2 years, and if you leave now, you'll be paying back everything we've given you in bonuses."

If it's your dream job, congrats, and like the above poster said, the bonus is all gravy on the train. Just make sure that you know administration and management details, like if they're looking at a possible hiring freeze, or what the turn-over rate is, patient satisfaction, and so on.

BUTTTTT CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · May 26, 2013

Mine was up front with the first paycheck. While I wish I never accepted it, it sure did make the move a lot easier on the credit card.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · May 26, 2013

There usually is a time frame attached to sign-on bonuses...however what that time frame is can vary widely between facilities.

Like RNsRWe said, sign-on bonuses are uncommon nowadays and definitely read the fine print BEFORE you say Yes.

tokyoROSE, BSN, RN · May 27, 2013

My sign on bonus was paid half up front and the other half at the end of my first year. Congratulations on the offer!

RCBR · May 27, 2013

My guess is that the bonus will be paid in bi-weekly installments over the two year period. They will divide the bonus over the number of pay periods and credit the amount on each of your paycheck over 24 months. That is what my hospital system does. Say you leave after 1 year they would only have paid you half of it.