Sign-on Bonuses Are Alive and Well

Nurses General Nursing

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I have been noticing one-off blips periodically, but here is clear evidence that the shortage of experienced specialty nurses is very real in the Houston area.

Houston Methodist is offering $10k sign-on bonuses for some 125 specialty jobs. Here's the link Hospital and Nursing Jobs in Houston, Texas | Houston Methodist Jobs

I was a bit surprised to see Clinical Documentation Specialists on the list.

Started a thread about this in the "News" forum: https://allnurses.com/nursing-news/nursing-shortage-is-1015663.html

Yes, sign-on bonuses are back in many areas of the USA as facilities deal with shortages of *experienced* and well seasoned nurses in certain areas/specialties.

When you hear of a "nursing shortage" today it most always means places are having difficulty finding experienced nurses, not a general deficiency. So places are offering good money to poach (excuse me, lure) new staff.

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

In central to southern IL, there are sign on bonuses of $2500-10,000 for staff RNs at multiple hospitals while those in Chicago are tearing their hair out trying to find work.

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The job I currently have was offering a sign-on bonus when I applied. I was told that I get half at 90 days and half at 6 months. It's been over 90 days and no half of a bonus. I asked the administrator and payroll clerk and was told it wasn't being offered when I signed up. I found the posting on the site where I applied, there's no date, but it does say "4 months ago" which of course is when I was offered the job. They also asked me if I'd signed papers. I honestly don't remember, but I think I did.

I'm going to print off the job description that I found, bring it in, and re-approach the administrator. I don't know what else to do and I'm really upset. I really enjoy my new job and my employers lied to me.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

i just got an email this past week from Minn., I think, with an $8K bonus and a 3500 moving stipend. NO Minn for me! Left Chicago d/t cold and snow!!

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To me, it's a red flag of the signing buns is that high. A hospital near me was offing a $15,000 bonus for experienced nurses but they were extremely short staffed with a really high turnover rate. It's just not worth it to me.

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Specializes in ICU.

My hospital is not offering a sign-on bonus yet, but they are offering $1500 referral bonus for experienced RNs. I wish I knew some that wanted to come work with me because I really want $1500. The hospital right up the street is offering $6k-$10k.

At one point, my first job as a RN was offering a $25k sign on bonus for experienced CVICU RNs. That should tell you something about the working conditions.

I also got an email from a Navy recruiter a couple of months back saying the Navy is offering something ridiculous like $35k to sign up.

There are definitely places you can get hefty bonuses if you have experience.

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Specializes in ER, progressive care.
Furthermore what are the terms and conditions for receiving the bonus?.[/quote']

$10,000 in exchange for 2 years of full time service. If you go part-time, PRN, or leave the position you just forfeit the rest of the bonus. It is paid in installments. $1000 on your first paycheck, $1000 at 6 months, $1000 at 12 months, I think $2000 at 18 months and then $5000 at 2 years.

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i just got an email this past week from Minn., I think, with an $8K bonus and a 3500 moving stipend. NO Minn for me! Left Chicago d/t cold and snow!!

Do you know where and what this was for? Toying with the idea of moving to mn. Thanks.

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I want to move to Minn. Which hospital there is still offering sign on bonuses and relocation? Hopefully it's in the twin cities, because I don't want to move to a small town like Bemidji.

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