Quit Your New Nurse Job, Owe $7K+? Not Anymore—Nevada Bans TRAP Contracts, HCA Settles

 

Thanks to a settlement with HCA Healthcare, Inc. and Health Trust Workforce Solutions, LLC, new grad nurses in Nevada are no longer shackled by unfair Training Repayment Agreement Provisions (TRAPs). These agreements had nurses paying thousands in “training debt” if they left their jobs before two years. Talk about a toxic work relationship.

What are TRAPs?

So, what’s the deal with TRAPs? Many nurses hired through HCA’s StaRN Residency Program were told they had to sign contracts agreeing to repay hefty “training costs” if they left early. But here’s the kicker: the so-called “training” was often just basic job orientation. Nurses were stuck in debt, some owing tens of thousands of dollars, just for seeking better opportunities.

Take Michelle Johnson (not her real name), a nurse who left HCA after 18 months for family reasons. She was slapped with a $7,500 bill for leaving early. 

Nevada’s Attorney General Aaron D. Ford wasn’t having it. His office, along with California, Colorado, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, investigated and found these agreements violated state consumer protection laws. HCA’s practices were labeled "employer-driven debt," and the settlement put an end to it.

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“The debt that HCA saddled its prospective employees with was unlawful and hindered the ability of Nevadans to thrive early in their vital careers in the health care industry,” Attorney General Aaron Ford, said, “I am proud of today’s settlement, which includes full available restitution for the impacted nurses and penalties paid to our state.”

What the Settlement Means for Nurses

Here’s the good news:

• HCA will cough up $75,776 to reimburse Nevada nurses who already paid off TRAP debt.
• They’ll also pay $786,500 in penalties to Nevada, part of a $2.9 million penalty across three states.
• Most importantly, TRAPs are banned in Nevada. Nurses can leave HCA without the fear of surprise bills.

Affected nurses will hear directly from the attorney general’s office about restitution payments. If you think you’re eligible, you can contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection at (702) 486-3420.

@nurse.org Thanks to a settlement with HCA Healthcare, Inc. and Health Trust Workforce Solutions, LLC, new grad nurses in Nevada are no longer shackled by unfair Training Repayment Agreement Provisions (TRAPs). These agreements had nurses paying thousands in “training debt” if they left their jobs before two years. Talk about a toxic work relationship. Here’s the good news: -HCA will cough up $75,776 to reimburse Nevada nurses who already paid off TRAP debt. -They’ll also pay $786,500 in penalties to Nevada, part of a $2.9 million penalty across three states. -Most importantly, TRAPs are banned in Nevada. Nurses can leave HCA without the fear of surprise bills. Affected nurses will hear directly from the @nvattorneygeneral about restitution payments. If you think you’re eligible, you can contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection at (702) 486-3420. ➡️ You can also find the article at nurse.org/news or click the LINK IN BIO! #news #nurse #nevada #newgrad #nursingschool ♬ original sound - nurse.org

A Win for Nurse Advocacy

This settlement isn’t just about money. It’s about workplace fairness and mobility. Plus, this case shines a light on a larger issue. A 2022 Cornell University study found that about 10% of workers across industries face similar repayment agreements, with healthcare workers hit especially hard. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is keeping an eye on these practices, and this settlement could be a step toward broader change.

So, Nevada nurses, take a victory lap. You’ve earned it. And remember: your time, training, and talent are worth far more than a shady contract.

🤔 Nurses, share your thoughts in the discussion forum below.