Old dog wants to learn new trick :D

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

I keep reading all of these posts referring to contracts and agreements- what in the world are those? Is it union stuff? Whenever I've gotten a job, they tell me to show up on this day, and I say "OK" and that's the end of it (or the beginning:D). What happens if YOU decide you don't want to follow the agreement?

Sorry if I sound so dense on this- but in IL and TX where I've worked, I never had to sign anything but a W-4, I-9 form, or other basic federally required forms.

[loriangel14, RN]

Yes they would be referring to union contracts and agreements. If the job is unionized and you accept the job you join the union. You have to follow the contract/agreement of your local union.

[SNIXRN]

Or traveling nurses. :)

I'm actually pretty nervous because I am anticipating moving within the year and the state I am going to has unions. It will be interesting.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

Some facilities are closed shop (everyone has to join) or open, where you have the option of joining, (but get the same benefits) or no union at all. We have all three in my state.

If you are going to be working in a closed shop facility, you simply sign a form stating payroll can take the dues from your check. In a closed or open, you get a copy of the contract. Unions are mostly invisible until negotiations or pulled into a grievance.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

Ok- thanks y'all....

What about strikes - I remember hearing about them ages ago (don't remember where).... how does a nurse ethically deal with that knowing there are people inside who need care? (no judgement- legitimately curious :))

[going2BaNurse2014]

I'm curious too. I am going to school in a state with nursing unions but I know I'm going to eventually move to a state that doesn't have a lot of nursing unions. I don't really know how unions work... guess I will research them a little more.

[hopefulwhoop]

These contracts you read about don't refer solely to unions. There are hospitals, at least where I reside, where new employees are required to sign a contract stating they will work at said hospital for a minimum of a certain period of time. For example, I got a job offer for some hospital internship/job and I was required to sign a contract stating I would work there for at least 2 years. I didn't take the position. Pretty much, certain facilities have a problem retaining employees. If you break the contract, you are required to pay them back for the costs of training you (usually thousands of dollars).

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

These contracts you read about don't refer solely to unions. There are hospitals, at least where I reside, where new employees are required to sign a contract stating they will work at said hospital for a minimum of a certain period of time. For example, I got a job offer for some hospital internship/job and I was required to sign a contract stating I would work there for at least 2 years. I didn't take the position. Pretty much, certain facilities have a problem retaining employees. If you break the contract, you are required to pay them back for the costs of training you (usually thousands of dollars).

OMG- how is that even legal ???? :eek::eek:

[RNMeg]

Some people may also be referring to tuition reimbursement/payment contracts. I have one with my hospital. They paid for my BSN, and I have to work for them for at least 4 years. If I break the contract, I have to pay back the balance.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

Some people may also be referring to tuition reimbursement/payment contracts. I have one with my hospital. They paid for my BSN, and I have to work for them for at least 4 years. If I break the contract, I have to pay back the balance.

I can understand that- it's pretty common...and makes sense. :)

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

I can absolutely understand the need for a union if a hospital pretty much owns you for a certain amount of time....

[SNIXRN]

Considering the business aspect, I can see why contracts are in place. I have heard that it costs hospitals thousands to train new grads. Often, once new grads have put in their "year" and aren't considered a new grad, they leave to the area of nursing they prefer (or so ive heard). I know a girl who worked for our (amazing) hospital for 6 months then quit to go to a peds hospital - our company paid for her NCLEX class, paid for her to go through training, paid her preceptor, etc and she just up and quit. Our new grad program had almost 500 applicants and they only hired 30 and she only worked there for 6 months.