help! I need advice...

I am about to finish a job in Dallas. My recruiter had set up for me to take a job in Galveston. While i did say yes i was still interested in taking the assignment at the time things have changed (life happens!) and I think it would best for me to not take the assignment. I never signed the formal contract for the assignment. When I called my recruiter to tell her the news she informed me that although I did not sign the formal contract, i had verbally agreed to do the assignemt which was a verbal contract, and i now have to pay a $4000 cancelation fee. These terms and conditions were never mentioned to me during that conversation on the phone, nor was I made aware that the conversation was considered a verbal contract. will someone help me please!! i feel like i'm being bullied by a recruiter that is mad about not making any money off of me for this assignment. I was basically told that i would have to work the assignment or pay the money. HELP!!!!

If you have not signed a contract for this assignment, you are not obligated to pay any fees for choosing not to take it. Do not let this recruiter bully you. Ask her to produce a recording of this "verbal contract" that includes where she told you about the cancellation fee and where you agreed to the cancellation fee. If it was never mentioned (which I'm sure it wasn't), she will not be able to produce this. They cannot make you pay the $4000, and if they deduct it from your bank account, contact a lawyer to get it back for you. I would find a new company ASAP. What company is this that you are dealing with????

You have the right to change your mind from a verbal contract. The hospitals do it all the time, even when a nurse has signed a contract, the hospital does not get charged or intimidated. Your recruiter is WRONG and don't let the unprofessional intimidation factor bother you. Many nurses change their mind. I would switch companies ASAP and move on. Also, let them know you are contacting legal counsel and do it just to get some information.
I would also like to know your company so I never use them.

It is Preferred Healthcare. this first assignment that I am on with them has gone so smoothly. I just can't belive that my recruiter pulled such a 180 like that on me.

Recruiters are trained to do that tough tactic stuff, but since you did not sign, you are not obligated. Switch companies and move on.

Legally speaking some states a verbal contract is as legally binding as a written one. That issue asside, a good recruiter will understand that personal issues do change and a good recruiter will.should work with you to keep you happy and is willing to work out things with you. Of course they hospital you "ditched" (in their words I'm sure) is going to eat that recruiter alive and there may be some issues there for your recruiter and the company. Odds are they told the facility you're "locked in"

Bottom line, if you have a "good reason" and have explained it with the recruiter see how you can work it out. If they aren't willing to cooperate then you need to find a new recruiter and/or new firm. (Just don't do it again ;-)