Nursing Residencies - Commitment to work afterwards

It depends where you live. They have been made illegal in California. Check with your state laws and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

https://www.hrdive.com/news/recoup-employee-training-cost-repayment-agreement/636198/

https://www.littler.com/publication-press/publication/california-acute-care-hospitals-must-reimburse-training-costs

1) never take a sign on bonus, negotiate extra into your compensation rate.

2) never sign a contract, ever, period. Not a commitment contract, not a non-compete clause. Some of these contracts are predatory and will restrict you from practicing up to 150 miles of the institution. 
3) never take a salary RN job. They will work you like a dog, and you will never get a break.

4) never sign up for on call unless it is explicit in your expectations. Pretty soon you'll be the only unlucky nurse to have to answer your phone 24/7 times 365. 
 
When it comes to prospective employers, they do not have your best interest in mind. They will use and abuse you, and get you to take the most moronic pay under the guise of "not having experience" or "being a new grad". These institutions have money, do not let them kid you. They prey on the weak and vulnerable, so the CEO can drive around in a mazarati and fly his private jet around.  
hold your head up high and prepare to decline offers, it's like a poker game. If you want a good job and good home work life balance you have to be willing to wait. Do not take the first thing that comes down the pike.