2 year contract and 5 days for a new grad? Need Advice!

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · May 14, 2008

I did sign a 2 year contract, but I had already worked for this hospital for 4 years while I was in school. I knew I would want to stay there due to location as well as generous benefit pkg and it was already in my comfort zone.

I also started orienting 5 days a week, I think this is standard. I took a job in the ICU and really you will learn alot seeing the progress of patients from day 1 to 2 to 3.

Our hospital has signed contracts with other new grads who have left and they do pursue them legally to get their money back. If you leave you must repay the total amount owed with in 30 days.

If your hesitant about signing on for so long, dont do it. As 2 years is a long time to be miserable and have regrets, can you job shadow a few more times to make sure this is really the place/unit you want to work?

FYI I think as long as you stay with in the hospital ex: start in OB but transfer to PACU, they cant come after you for your commitment, your still an employee.

Best of luck~~

jessi1106, BSN, RN · May 15, 2008

Hmm..do you work at a hosptal w/ a union?

This came up just last week at my hospital. A nurse (friend I went to school with) had signed an 18 month contract with a specific unit but was interested in moving to another after a year. Union rep said that contract was not legal and the nurse was not bound to it. Not sure about the reference she would get though...

When hired, I gave a 12 month verbal agreement to stay on my unit. I also oriented 5 days per week. It was difficult, but so very beneficial. There is so much to learn!

Do you feel comfortable sharing your concerns with the NM?

Good luck to you.

BwayDani · May 15, 2008

No union at this hospital. They told me in the interview that this is a good thing......is it really good not to have a union???

elkpark · May 15, 2008

...is it really good not to have a union???

Well, it sure is for the hospital administration! :chuckle :chuckle :chuckle

racing-mom4, BSN, RN · May 15, 2008

The hospital is non union where I work and signed a commitment. I am under the impression it is a contract between me and the facility, they pay X amount of tuition for X amount of hours worked. If I leave before my hours owed are completed I owe for that amount of tuition yet to be worked off. In my area of the country this is pretty std practice at all hospitals, some times it is called tuition forgiveness, or tuition reimbursement.

Tait, MSN, RN · May 16, 2008

I didn't sign a two year contract though if I leave within two years I lose part of my sign on bonus. I get nervous with contracts only because within 7 months of my first job I met the love of my life (and now fiancee) and moved six states!

Life can always throw a curve ball, and even though I am not the kind of person that up and leaves on a whim, when it comes to nursing (and the possibility of hating your job) I don't like to be tied to a contract.

About the new grad, 5 nights a week thing, is it 11-7? If so, 8 hours X5 days can get draining, especially if you are learning nights (I work nights, have done the 5 8's and now do 3 12's). Just remember to try and get a rountine going and take your vitamins!

Best of luck!

Tait

justme1972 · May 16, 2008

I don't plan on accepting any contracts while in school b/c they don't give you a choice of the department where you work.

I also don't plan on accepting a sign-on bonus if there is a contract involved b/c you have no idea if that facility is going to work for you or not.

Remember that you actually have to pay back MORE than you actually receive.

So if you got a stripend check for $1,000, after taxes, it will be more like $700..but it's the $1,000 you have to pay back.