[shannon88]

I'm in my second semester of nursing school. I have a job at two hospitals as a nurse tech. One I've been at for a year now as a CNA and nurse tech. The other I just started at 3 weeks ago on labor and delivery only to find out I don't like it! I know for sure from working at my other job that I love the ER with a passion, I just thought I'd like L&D because I love learning new things. But I just know it's not a fit. The whole purpose of the nurse tech position is to supplement nursing school in the department that you're preparing to work for. Well I just got a call from the ER and they said they could make a position for me if my boss will let me transfer. My position on L&D is absolutely worthless to the hospital... the days I work we have few, if ANY patients. Yesterday from 3p-7p we had 5 nurses, a secretary, a CNA, and me (a nurse tech) and not a single patient. I like to stay busy and see new things... and I miss sick people! I work every Sunday and every Tuesday evening... VERY SLOW hours! And it doesn't supplement nursing school... they have me assisting the CNA, not the nurse! I don't get to perform any skills. Friends in the ER put in 15 foleys within a week!

What do I say to my boss? I want to transfer so bad to the ER... so much that if she won't let me, I almost just want to quit and keep my other job at the other hospital (it only lets me do med surg, but I get to be more "nursey" and practice skills). How do I start the whole conversation? I have to be as nice as possible because she CAN make me stay and not transfer...

Sincerely,
A Stressed Nursing Student!

[3rdcareerRN]

Look at it from your boss' point of view:
She has a body in a budgeted nurse tech position. She is protected in case things get busy or if budgets for empty positions are cut. She doesn't want to lose the position, she doesn't want to lose a qualified body in it, and she doesn't want to go through the hassle of hiring.

Can you recruit another tech to fill your spot? Surely there are nursing students who are desperate for exposure to an L&D department. Help that candidate get through HR, including getting references. Then present your boss a qualified body to replace you, to help make the case for your transfer.

Good luck.