Should I sign on the dotted line??

Nursing Students General Students

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Specializes in Medical/Surgical/Detox/Psych.

I am currently in a LPN program and will graduate a year from now. I've worked in the Recreation department (I am a CNA but I love my job in activities!!) in a long term care facility for almost two years. They have offered me a $1200 bonus NOW if I sign a year contract starting when I am licensed as a LPN. I plan on jumping right into the RN program the semester after I graduate. (The program isn't very competitive and I have been told that based on my grades I can count on being in.) Needless to say, I will still be in RN school while working as a LPN, even when that year is over, if I take the contract. I don't even have to work full time, just hold some sort of position.

Does this sound like a good idea?? I love where I work but I just wonder if I will be passing up another chance at another facility that could give me more experience, such as the hospitial next door. I plan on going to some sort of acute care after becoming a RN.

Any advice?? Thanks!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiothoracics, VADs.

Why are they so desperate for staff? I'd be reluctant to commit to that.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I'm with you, I work as a AD, but am in an ADN program instead. I'm leaving my job Wed, to go to the hospital and work as a tech on ortho/neuro floor. I'm looking forward to the expierence, and also I could get to see other floors as they open up after 6 months.

I'm with above poster, but understand that if you do decide to work as an LPN, then your job becomes VERY different than activities. You have to switch your focus to nursing, and you CANNOT make your duties less because you want to keep doing some "activity" duties. keep that in mind.

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If I were you I dont think I would be signing anything. I made that mistake myself but it was for a hospital who helped my for my tuition for college and then I decided thats not what I want to do when I graduate. I'm lucky and I can just repay them pack with 2% interest which is a good idea considering its cheaper than student loans around here.

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Specializes in Neuro.

I think you have an advantage in evaluating this offer because you already work in the facility. You probably have a general idea of how the org. treats and supports its employees. I would recommend that next time you are on one of the nursing units, talk with the nurses there and ask them how they like their job, how supportive management is, how the staffing ratios are. You don't need to tell them about the contract, just something about thinking about working there when you graduate.

In general if a facility offers a big sign-on bonus it is because they cannot retain employees long-term any other way. Yours may be an exception, but do some research first.

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Specializes in ER.

Make sure it is in writing how many hours a week would be minimum for you to meet your committment. Also, know ahead of time what the penalty is to withdraw early. Anything could happen, from changes at your workplace, to issues in your personal life, and you want to be able to live with the consequences.

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Personally, I wouldn't sign anything. I changed my mind so many times about where I wanted to work during school. And, the job opportunities changed and got better just in the last year, which also affected my decisions.

Everybody I know who's signed a deal has regretted it.

:typing

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