what about these sign on bonuses???

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I am hearing about phenomenal sign on bonuses? Any experiences out there....good or bad?:yeah:

I completely disagree with the idea that a good sign-on bonus definitely means a crappy workplace. A few years ago I got a sign-on bonus package worth between 15 and 20 thousand. It included a one-time payment, payback of some student loans, and a couple other things. It required a 2-year commitment with a choice of units in several hospitals (you could switch units or hospitals in the 2 years and not pay it back). Despite being done with the commitment, I still work on the same original unit. I say go for it! My hospital has since gotten rid of this bonus. I think I was just in the right place at the right time.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

higher the bonus, the greater the desperation....i got 1000 stipend, and they have people they are just turning away...

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
higher the bonus, the greater the desperation......
I agree. I've seen sign-on bonuses as high as $50,000 in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, which shares a border with Mexico. In general, this region cannot retain good nurses due to high patient loads of 9 to 13 patients on a typical med/surg unit, undesirable climate, challenging language barriers, the high lawsuit risk, and extreme lateral harassment from coworkers.
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Specializes in ER.
I agree. I've seen sign-on bonuses as high as $50,000 in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, which shares a border with Mexico. In general, this region cannot retain good nurses due to high patient loads of 9 to 13 patients on a typical med/surg unit, undesirable climate, challenging language barriers, the high lawsuit risk, and extreme lateral harassment from coworkers.

location location location. I lived in El Paso for 18 months... and if the hospital there was offering that amount, I wouldn't go back. Nothing to do with the climate - loved the desert, love Mexican food, love the language, it's just the city was an ARMPIT and so was Juarez.... though I did have some fun times over there!

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Sign-on usually mean word is out about poor working conditions. Again research your location. However, sign-ons for a travel company can be a plus, they just need staff ASAP. But, again consider the location!

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my sign on bonus was 5,000 paid over 3 increments. my hospital has a high retention rate of nurses and a lot of people apply, so i'm not sure why they offer the bonus. it is kind of in a ghetto area, so perhaps that's why.

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The hospital I work for offered a 4,000 sign on bonus but you had to sign for 2 years. It hasn't been bad working there. Definitely have to check out your hospital before signing.

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Specializes in cardiac.

Be very wary of HUGE sign on bonus. This is a red flag to me. It tells me that they are desperate to fill those positions. And, the reasons the positions aren't filled is because people don't want to work there. :smokin:

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location location location. I lived in El Paso for 18 months... and if the hospital there was offering that amount, I wouldn't go back. Nothing to do with the climate - loved the desert, love Mexican food, love the language, it's just the city was an ARMPIT and so was Juarez.... though I did have some fun times over there!

Wow! Those of us that grew up there run screaming as soon as we can. I can't believe people move there!!! :chuckle:chuckle:chuckle

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Specializes in ER, Tele, Cardiac Cath Lab.
How does one check the turnover rate and patient ratios? I mean, I am assuming the person interviewing will give the best-case scenario. Is there a way to find out the truth?

And what would one consider a suspiciously-generous sign on bonus?

Google search the hospital you are considering. You should get input from someone who has worked there .

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Specializes in ER, Tele, Cardiac Cath Lab.

Sign on bonuses are taxed heavy. I took a 5000 dollar bonus once and it was barely 3000 after taxes.

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someone mentioned being taxed on the bonus. i forgot to mention, our bonus is taxed - but they work it out to where you still receive the 5,000 in your paycheck. so they end up paying more so that you get the actual 5,000.

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