Do most RN jobs have contracts that specify a certain number of years minimum?

I notice on this forum some people talking about taking a job with a 2 or 3 year contract. Is this the norm, or the exception? Do most RN jobs not require you to work there a certain amount of time in the contact? Does it vary by part of the country? What do you know about contracts and RN jobs? Thanks =) Last edit by priorities2 on Jul 19, '13
I work at a county facility and no contact but the private facilities have 3 yr contracts.Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

It totally depends on the facility.

Quote from priorities2I notice on this forum some people talking about taking a job with a 2 or 3 year contract. Is this the norm, or the exception? Do most RN jobs not require you to work there a certain amount of time in the contact? Does it vary by part of the country? What do you know about contracts and RN jobs? Thanks =)

I just signed a 3 year contract, but I am a new grad in a Versant program. I have friends and family nurses who have signed contracts if there is a signing bonus or tuition reimbursement involved.

Quote from priorities2I notice on this forum some people talking about taking a job with a 2 or 3 year contract. Is this the norm, or the exception? Do most RN jobs not require you to work there a certain amount of time in the contact? Does it vary by part of the country? What do you know about contracts and RN jobs? Thanks =)

I've never worked a nursing job that came with a contract. When I signed my offer letter with my new grad job, it said on it that they requested a 2 year commitment but neither party was legally bound to it.

The vast majority of jobs are 'at will' - no individual contract involved. If the organization has to make a significant investment in a new employee - providing specialty training, residency, etc... they may require a commitment.

At will is the standard in my part of the country. The only contracts are for travelers, about 13 weeks, and we have not had any for ages.

Contract? At a hospital of other facility? No way, Jose. If it's a union shop your union contract will specify benefits and such, but not ever length of employment.Travelers, different deal.

It depends. My hospital doesn't have one. The hospital my sister is working at does. But she is in a nurse residency program and that's why. Hers is 2 yrs(after the 4 month orientation). A couple friends have a 1 yr contract but that is related to the sign on bonus they received.