Stipend contract....Is it really about the $

[ncnursetosrna]

I have looked at several threads over the year about the do's and do not's of signing a stipend contract. I understand that you really need to know the facility that you are signing with and the reasons why they would want to sign with you..a student...who hasnt even graduated...

The majority of the threads I read, however, basically say dont do it because there is more money out there..bonus's, moving expenses, higher salaries....they are all there after school...

Does this seem accurate to you? Is it really about the money? About getting a better deal after school? Jus want to hear your thoughts....

Also...if any of you have an example contract you would be willing to share..PLEASE let me know....Thanks!

[goodgrief]

I signed a contract with the Army...100% tuition/books plus stipend. I think I'd like to do trauma when I'm done so it seems like a great option

[NURSE_IZA]

I'm also in the similar situation where I am looking for signing a contract with CRNA group to cover the tuition expenses. I am looking for more informations in that regards.

Does anybody else has any other perspective on this?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

[BCRNA]

It all depends on how much you need the cash now. Many places sponser a student because it is hard to attract crna's to there location. You should visit the place and talk to crnas working there. But it helps tremendously. I had a forty thousand dollar scholarship. I would advise you get all the details in writing about it, specifically when the taxes are due. If it is written that it is a scholarship, but is "forgiven" after so many years of service then it is taxable the year it is forgiven. That was an additonal 40,000 worth of taxable income I did not know about. The hospital lied about no taxes needing to be paid, if I had it in writing I can have forced them to pay the taxes. But it was just my word against theirs, they told me that taxes were due the year I got it. So I actually paid no taxes since I was an unemployed student the year I got them. But that isn't how it works if it is "forgivable" or requires working for them after graduation; even if it is termed a scholarship. Just the fact you "have" to work for them means it isn't a scholarship legally. Scholarships don't have to be repaid or require work or repayment after the fact. I ended up owing an extra 12,000 to the IRS five years after I got the scholarship.

Just get everything in writing about the terms of the contract and when/how to pay the taxes. Also, be sure to ask about the penalty for breaking the contract. Most require a recovery fee of 10,000 if you decide not to work for them. Which is the starting cost of finding a replacement CRNA.

Depending on where you live, there may be no sign on bonus or other such incentive. Right now where I work there are no crna's without jobs. But there are no sign on bonuses anywhere in five states around me.