2 year commitment

[cr71890, BSN, RN]

I was recently offered an OR fellowship position in which I will do the Periop 101 program (AORN curriculum) over 6 months. I have to sign a 2 year commitment contract with the hospital to account for the cost of the program.

I am very interested in working in the OR, and I consider myself very lucky to be offered this position. I also completely understand why they contract the nurses in this program because the cost of training is expensive. I get the reasoning and this is not an issue!

I was just wondering if anyone who has done a similar program/been contracted for 2 years had any hesitancy signing the agreement? If you did sign one, did you have any regrets doing so?

Again, it’s not I don’t want to take this offer, it’s just a little daunting being contracted as a new grad who has little experience.

Thank you for your help!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I'm coming at this from the other side- my facility does not require a contract, and I can guarantee you that the tenured staff definitely wishes we did. We've seen so many come through, get the program, come off orientation (or not quite make it the whole way there) only to go off somewhere else. It's a morale killer to have to constantly replace new staff. So the contract may actually mean that it's possibly a better working environment and better morale because there's less turnover. Or that could just be my wish, who knows.

Either way, be sure you know what you're signing. If you choose to leave, what are you on the hook for? If the hospital makes the decision for you to leave, what are you on the hook for? What if a mutual decision is made that the OR isn't the place for you but they're willing to transfer you to another position- are you on the hook for anything in that scenario or are you only obligated to the 2 years in the facility?

[amoLucia]

Think of it in another way - the facility is willing to gamble on you for 2 years.

Like if you continue to progress and do well in your job description, you should have a job for the next 2 years.

Not necessarily a GUARANTEE, but not too shabby!

[cr71890, BSN, RN]

Thank you so much for your responses! Your input is exactly what I needed, advice from the other side/different perspectives. I can completely understand why facilities have such agreements, and I can imagine it is a morale killer for tenured OR nurses to see so many come and go.

I am for sure going through this contract with a fine-tooth comb, it’s potentially worth a lot if I were to leave before my commitment is up, regardless if I quit or they fire me! (It is set up to have a certain amount of forgiveness per month)

I agree @amoLucia, that’s not too shabby, especially for a new graduate! I feel lucky to have a job at all, and I am excited about the offer : )