OR oreintation and contracts??

Fun2, BSN, RN · Jul 15, 2008

I didn't sign a contract to pay back anything...seems strange. Not that I plan on leaving, but OUCH...that would be a hard decision to make!!

My orientation is 9 months, and I had to agree to work 2 years after.

ewattsjt · Jul 16, 2008

From what I have read about from others, contracts with set time frames are not unusual. Paying back moving expenses if you leave within 6mths to a year is not unheard of either. I have also seen where the bonus money that is paid must be returned as well. It was an early bonus for completion of the contract and must be repaid as the contract was not fulfilled.

This is the first time that I recall having heard of reimbursing the facility for orientation training or to be punitive. Only you know your facility and know if you could do the contract or not but they really would have you over a barrel if you did sign.

Most facilities will orient someone new to the OR for a minimum of 6 mths. So it seems to me if they are wanting reimbursed for orientations, something is amiss in the OR. Unless people keep leaving after training, what is the reason for that stipulation? If they are leaving, what is the reason?

Giving your UNM the benefit, maybe she is not familiar with standard contracts, surgery, etc.. and was hired into the position for management skills.

Check with other facilities and see what they offer.

Most I have said in regard to your facility is just guessing. Only you truly know how the people are and if you could hang it out for a couple of years because you would have to with such a contract (at least I would, I never have 10-20k unless I take out a loan). I do not think I would sign a contract like that but then again, if it were a really good job I might.

I wish you luck in your meeting!

Wicked Wahine · Jul 17, 2008

I am still only a nursing student, but wow, I don't think I'd ever sign a contract like that. I realize that they're putting a lot of money into orienting someone new to the OR but come on... The only thing you can count on in life is that you can't really count on anything. You have no idea what tomorrow brings. Now, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't make prudent choices and plan for your future, but it also means that you shouldn't assume that your life will be the same as it is now for the next 3 years. Which is basically what that contract is asking of you. If it were asking you to pay back money they gave you for tuition reimbursement or a sign on bonus, well that's clearly reasonable. I just don't think expecting you to pay back over $20k if you decided to pursue another position within a year is reasonable.

BoiseRN · Jul 17, 2008

Hi! The hospital in Boise I work at hired me as a new OR RN from med/surg. They put me and others through the AORN "Peri-op 101" clas that was 4-6 weeks. It was hands on and bookwork training so we could be ready for the OR (then we were sent into orientation for about 4 months before I was on my own in a case). Upon being hired I did have to sign a 2 year contract saying I would stay in a perioperative setting but if I do not make it the two years I have to pay back the AORN periop class fees. The fees started at $5000 and about $200 is taken off for each month I work FT in the OR. But yikes! It sounds like you are paying a ridiculous amount back and being expected to remain at the hospital for ever . I hope you get that worked out! Good luck!!

idahonative · Aug 13, 2008

thank you for your replies. the meeting went well and i am still awaiting a response...

cwinlv · Aug 25, 2008

I signed a two year contract which stipulated a $4000 payback clause should I leave prior to contract end. However, the contract was at the hospital level, not the departmental level, meaning I am comitted to working for the hospital for two years, not the department.

cdsga · Aug 28, 2008

contracts are like gun registration--those who are not criminals will register and do the right thing. Signing a contract for a hospital specialty unit is to make you aware that alot of time and energy is spent on your training. It is not an easy place to work and you can't pull from a float pool to assist in the OR.

We have the same contract option. Most times it's not inforced, because our hospital doesn't hire a bounty hunter to come after you. Just be aware...the medical community is very small. I come in contact with nurses all over the country from time to time and worked as a travel nurse where I saw fellow travelers at different hospitals with many tales to tell.

If you choose to walk out on a contract be aware that you are burning a bridge that may effect your re-hire other places.

We have to expect committment from our orientees and interns to stay for the contract dates. We find that if an intern lasts one year past the internship graduation, they usually stay longer because they have learned so many new skills and they don't want to lose them.

It is a delicate situation and one that the hospital has to struggle with.

Not too many hospitals provide an internship for this very reason. They train nurses then they leave. So you can understand why they need a committment from you.

There is no DOG/Bounty Hunter coming after you. The only thing that will be chasing you is your own conscience. :nurse: