What were signing bonuses like?

[CloudySue]

I've only been a nurse for 1.5 years. I remember years ago seeing ad after ad in the paper (yes, before the internet took over as the place to search for jobs) offering sign-on bonuses for home health care nurses. Of course, we see none of that today. My question is, what was an average bonus (for RN and LPN), what sort of cases were they offered for, and how did those agreements work? Also, any chance that the days of big sign-on bonuses will ever come back?

[Susan317]

In my experience, agencys who offer a sign on bonus have difficulty filling the position.Only take the job if you're interested in finding out why.You can rest assured that you will find out!!

[KateRN1]

After 20 years in nursing, I've seen the pendulum swing back and forth. Signing bonuses will come back, but it will be a while. Back in the day, you'd easily get $2K to $5K signing bonuses, half upfront with half paid at either 90 or 180 days. I remember once getting a $2k bonus paid upfront with only a 6 month commitment. I have seen one agency locally offer a sign-on bonus, but the rep there is so bad, it's the only way they'll get new staff.