Will pursuing this scholarship hurt my chances of getting hired soon?

[nurselili30]

Hello beautiful nurses and non-nurses. This is my first post on all nurses and I am hoping some of you can help me out with this. I am an aspiring nursing student still taking my prerequisites to enter the program next spring. I have good grades and qualify for a little financial aid at the community college I go to. But once I accepted I will do a bridge program to get my BSN at the same time I graduate for ADN so I know my tuition will be a little higher. I also do not want to take out a loan as I hate the stress of having to pay debts.

My state however has this scholarship that awards up to $4000/year to students in a work shortage area in the state and nursing is one of those field. However the terms of the award is that you sign a pledge to work in the state for the number of years the award was given to you. I worry that this may reduce my chances of being hired quickly once I graduate. Also note that there are 3 average size community hospitals within 15 miles of my home and one due to open in 2019 around the time I graduate. Do you think my chances of landing a job in my state will be good considering the circumstances or is it a bad idea pursuing this scholarship at all.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Be sure to read all the fine print. There may be an exclusion clause that will kick in if you are genuinely unable to get a job in the area after you graduate. If not, don't be afraid to ask.