Signed a 2 yr contract, but life happens!HELP!

[madimom10]

In June I signed a contract with the hospital committing to 2 years with them in exchange for 16 weeks of "paid training." If I were to break this contract I would have to pay back the training, which is basically all of my paychecks up to this point (I am in the 11th week of "training") So if I give them back everything they have paid me, basically I worked the last 11 weeks for free...every patient I cared for will go uncompensated???

I signed this contract in June with the sure thought that I would not be leaving this town for the next 2 years. But 3 months later, my now fiance has been promoted and transferred to a city halfway across the country!! Not to mention, we may be expecting our first child together (positive home pregnancy test, waiting to confirm at doctors! :)) so basically I need to move with him and no way $8,000 is even affordable for us. The contract has a release clause stating that the hospital can release employee from any obligation in the contract if written approval from VP of HR. So after presenting my situation to the VP, they would not release me and said I would have to pay. However, the contract does also say the hospital agrees to pay $x/hr AT 36 hrs per week for 16 weeks. They HAVE not kept this part of the contract in that most weeks they were only paying us for anywhere between 28-32 hours/wk.

Does this mean they have breached their end of the contract? Anyone with any experience with this or know of a similar situation, your advice would be greatly appreciated!

[elkpark]

We cannot give you any legal advice here -- I suggest you ask a lawyer about the contract.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

This is the reason for such contracts.

So if they had paid you more, I suppose that you would have to pay more back. Would that suit you better?

You need to see a lawyer, who will actually review the contract.

[NoviceRN10]

I didn't realize some people "pay" to have their training. I am so glad I have no monetary obligation to my employers keeping me from moving on. I can't imagine having to pay back paychecks I most likely spent already!

[madimom10]

i am consulting a lawyer tomorrow but I just wanted to see if anyone else has gone through anything similar.

[caliotter3]

Good luck with your situation.

[SCnurse2010]

Basically, they lose money on new grads during such a long orientation so this is their way to try to recoup that cost. They don't want to lose money training you and then you jump ship. I signed a similar contract. Either pay them and leave or live a long distance relationship til your obligation is fullfilled.