Tuition Reimbursement, are hospitals still participating?

[MsBodacious]

Hello,

I am about to start nursing school in January 2010. My plan is to complete the ADN program and then work for a company that will reimburse me for my RN-BSN/RN-MSN (I currenlty have a Bachelors). Are hospitals or other organizations still participating in tuition reimbursement?

What is your take on this?

Thanks,

[llg, PhD, RN]

Some hospitals still offer tuition reimbursement and some do not. Some still offer it, but have reduced the amount of help you can get -- or have instituted limitations or requirements for getting it. (e.g. You have to work for them for 1 full year before you qualify. etc.) You will have to check with the specific hospitals in the areas in which you plan to work.

In the long run, I think hospitals will continue to offer some sort of support for nurses furthering their education because it strengthens the workforce and can be used as a recruitment and retention strategy. However, it's unlikely we will see them "throwing money around" on special programs as freely as some hospitals were a few years ago back when everyone thought the booming economy would last forever. Be prepared to work for any financial support that a hospital may offer. Have a "plan B" etc. ... just in case you need it.

[AshleyA]

Some hospitals still offer tuition reimbursement and some do not. Some still offer it, but have reduced the amount of help you can get -- or have instituted limitations or requirements for getting it.

The ones I have seen do have tuition reimbursement, but it doesn't come close to being enough to pay for a degree.

[MsBodacious]

Thank you LLG and AshleyA for chiming in on this one. I guess all hope is not lost. I will make it a point to check into Tuition reimbursement with companies of interest before even applying. This is a big deal for me.