Work Repayment Programs, good or bad?

[WhatToDo]

I am going to be starting a one-year accelerated BSN program at Johns Hopkins in June. As I'm sure many of you can imagine, the tuition is enough the break anyone in half. I'm sort of strange becuase I already have an MPH and ultimatly I would love to do L&D, mother/baby, OBGYN, or pediatrics with a community focus among underserved populations.

I have been looking into scholarships and work repayment programs (i.e. where you agree to work at the hospital for the amount of time they paid your tuition, they also pay you a starting salary during the time you work there).

I'm a little nervous about doing this since I'm not sure what opportunities may come up while in school. While I need all the tuition assistance I can get, I am not sure if committing to a certain job may be the best thing for me. Does anyone have any experience, advice etc. about this?

[d&d's mom]

Hi,

Reading your post made me so antsy! I have applied to Johns Hopkins accelerated program as well, but I haven't heard back yet. However, congratulations to you!

I just wanted to inform you of an opportunity for tuition reimbursement I found out about. You have to commit for 2 years, but they reimburse $10,000 (North Arundel Hosp. in Glen Burnie, MD). They have a track record of the best working environment and track record for retention of nurses in the state ( I think). Do a google search about them. Anyway, hope this is of help.

Also, would you mind PMing me and letting me know when you heard from Hopkins? Was it recently?

[d&d's mom]

Hi,

Reading your post made me so antsy! I have applied to Johns Hopkins accelerated program as well, but I haven't heard back yet. However, congratulations to you!

I just wanted to inform you of an opportunity for tuition reimbursement I found out about. You have to commit for 2 years, but they reimburse $10,000 (North Arundel Hosp. in Glen Burnie, MD). They have a track record of the best working environment and track record for retention of nurses in the state ( I think). Do a google search about them. Anyway, hope this is of help.

Also, would you mind PMing me and letting me know when you heard from Hopkins? Was it recently?

[llg, PhD, RN]

How flexible will you be able to be with your work hours? .... and your area of specialty?

I never did a repayment program, but have communicated with several people who have. Their biggest complaints have been about being forced to work on units that were not their first (or even second) choice as a specialty. Knowing that they were not free to leave, the hospitals assigned them to some of the least popular units and shifts. If that's OK with you ... and/or if you can get some guarantees in writing ... and/or you know that your life circumstances or choices won't change in the next couple of years ... etc.

But be sure to read the fine print of anything sign.

Good luck,

llg

[llg, PhD, RN]

How flexible will you be able to be with your work hours? .... and your area of specialty?

I never did a repayment program, but have communicated with several people who have. Their biggest complaints have been about being forced to work on units that were not their first (or even second) choice as a specialty. Knowing that they were not free to leave, the hospitals assigned them to some of the least popular units and shifts. If that's OK with you ... and/or if you can get some guarantees in writing ... and/or you know that your life circumstances or choices won't change in the next couple of years ... etc.

But be sure to read the fine print of anything sign.

Good luck,

llg