VA - EDRP as a retaining tool?

[NCindasun21]

Hi!

I just sat through our VISNs Town Hall and during the open mic there were several questions about retention and sign on bonuses being offered since so many nurses are leaving for remote jobs. 

Only certain existing RNs are being offered retention bonuses and they tried to get us to buy into the idea that Education Debt Reduction Program is a retention tool. 

As someone who has long since paid off my loans how can I possibly think of that as a reason to stay?!  Almost feels like age discrimination.  Anyone else have thoughts?

[OUxPhys, BSN, RN]

It's usually a recruiting tool but can also be used as a retention tool. Just about everyone has some form of college debt now so it's not unusual for hospitals to offer it as an incentive to stay or join. My VA offers it for new job postings and several other area hospitals have started to offer some form of loan assistance. Age has nothing to do with it.