JMR83

I accepted my first nursing job in December as a mom/baby nurse at a local hospital. I had to sign an 18 month contract. If I break it I have to pay back a pro rated amount. It's a total of $18000, if I leave now I'll have to pay back about $12k. They can fire me for any reason though. The contract only really applies to me and not my employer. I am miserable. I feel like a fish out of water and not equipped to handle this position. My preceptor hates me and basically tossed me aside after a week of orientation. I was suppose to be oriented for three months. I've been sticking it out and continue to remind myself most new nurses hate their first job. I had a particularly bad night at work one night and began looking online for other nursing jobs. To my surprise I found my dream job being listed. The job I went to nursing school for - dermatology nurse. Not only a dermatology nurse position (which is rare in my area) but a RN Clinical Coordinator for a dermatology practice. I applied and went through four rounds of interviews. Imagine my excitement when I was offered the position. Then came my call back to reality. That damn contract. What do I do? I understand it's not professional to leave a contract early. However, I can't be the first one to do it. If this other position wasn't so amazing I wouldn't leave my contract. Also the position is with a hospital that kind of part owns my current hospital, but I would have to start over and do orientation with them as if I were a new employee. The dermatology office has no idea that I signed a contract and I think they would not have any way of knowing unless I told them. I'm not sure that it would really matter to them. The supervisor told me I was the most qualified candidate they've had in ten years and they're thrilled they found me (I have ten years experience in dermatology and management). Any pointers or advice from those that have left a contract early? How do I explain the reason for my early departure in a way that will result in the least amount of anger? Is it true that the hospital would have to take me to court to get payment for the contract? Thanks!