Internal transfers- your thoughts?

[beeker]

I want to apply for an internal position. My manager has a reputation of writing people up (which prevents transfers for 6 months) when learning of an app to another department. I know I cannot stay where I am for the long term, but I had been planning to stay at least a year. I am at the 10 month mark, only need 6 for an internal transfer. A position has come up in clinical trials, and I am REALLY interested. I have no experience in this, but would love to apply and see what it is all about. BUT I FEAR RETALIATION. So far I have no write ups, no call outs, and no tardies.

I have heard through the grapevine that these research spots rarely open up. I have also heard that there has not been a lot of interest in this one. I have no experience in it, but it sounds like something I would enjoy. I REALLY want to take a shot at it. But I am afraid of the consequences. I also work nights, so not sure how to talk to someone about the position. Is it possible to call HR on the DL? Any ideas>

[proud nurse, BSN, RN]

So, are you saying the manager will write you up if you even apply for a transfer? On what basis? You have no strikes of any kind against you.

I'm not a huge risk taker, but I would apply in this situation. I can understand your hesistation because of fear of retaliation, but if it sound interesting to you, then go for it.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

So, are you saying the manager will write you up if you even apply for a transfer? On what basis? You have no strikes of any kind against you.

I'm not a huge risk taker, but I would apply in this situation. I can understand your hesistation because of fear of retaliation, but if it sound interesting to you, then go for it.

This happened to my best friend at my old hospital. It left a very bitter taste in every persons mouth on the floor. It even got to the point that when I applied for my transfer, and when the date I was supposed to transfer came up, I was nervous that she would write me up. It finally came down to the point that if it was going to make me happier to transfer, might as well go for it.

The transfer never did end up happening and I said forget it and quit and moved to a new state. You have to try. If you dont, you already failed.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Could you contact HR discreetly and find out more about the open position? Maybe find out if there is any reason you would not be a candidate? What are the prerequsites, and do you have a chance?

If you want to take a shot at the transfer, really find out what you will be getting into and what the job requires first, then decide.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I would apply but some facilities have policies on internal transfers that include keeping the manager in the loop. When I worked at the hospital, managers HAD to be notified if someone was being considered for an internal transfer by another department. So, if, say someone works in med/surg and applied to ICU without telling their manager, the ICU manager would immediately contact the med/surg manager. I would bet this varies by facility but I know when someone that I worked with transitioned to ICU, they didn't even call her to offer her the job... they called our manager to tell her!

[PediLove2147, BSN, RN]

I would apply but some facilities have policies on internal transfers that include keeping the manager in the loop. When I worked at the hospital, managers HAD to be notified if someone was being considered for an internal transfer by another department. So, if, say someone works in med/surg and applied to ICU without telling their manager, the ICU manager would immediately contact the med/surg manager. I would bet this varies by facility but I know when someone that I worked with transitioned to ICU, they didn't even call her to offer her the job... they called our manager to tell her!

Same with my hospital. On the application itself it asks if your current manager is aware you are applying. I would do what another PP suggested and ask for further information on the position. Make sure it is something you are truly interested in and have a chance at. If it is then definitely apply, your current manager should not be deciding what is right for YOUR career.

[slrn2012]

Where I work they would rather us transfer internally and stay within the facility, rather than leaving the facility all together. I hope everything works out for you!

[Lennonninja, MSN, APRN, NP]

If you don't try for it, you'll regret it.

[redhead_NURSE98!, ADN, BSN]

I want to apply for an internal position. My manager has a reputation of writing people up (which prevents transfers for 6 months) when learning of an app to another department.

Wow, do you work in Nashville? I think we have the same manager.

[PeacenJoy]

Actually, I am trying for an internal transfer right now. I want to move from med-tele to ER. If it doesn't come through, I would have to quit. Of 8 the people they hired in Aug 2011 for my unit, I am the only one left. Everybody else went to another hospital that has a higher acuity and is paying them $6 more per hour. When I applied to that hospital, they hired me for med/surg. I decided that even with the higher pay, I can't start over again paying my dues in med/surg.

[wooh, BSN, RN]

I also think I might know that manager.

You've got two choices. Stay with this manager forever because of fear of a write-up. Or go for what will make you happy, with worst case being written up and stuck with this manager.

If this is where you want to be, go for it. Just make sure you follow your transfer policy to the letter.

[Good Morning, Gil]

Agree with everyone else. If you don't apply for it, you'll regret it. I hear about this kind of thing all of the time, it seems, retaliation for trying to transfer or managers preventing people from transferring. It's not right, and shouldn't be allowed to happen. Happens everywhere, though, not just in nursing. I feel blessed to have a great nurse manager, so even on bad days, I feel more loyal to my unit because of it. A good manager realizes it's better for an employee to be happy in their work, and allows the transfer. Otherwise, you will just quit anyway, at some point.

Best of luck, Beeker! Go for it! And, if you get written up, fight it. Go to your director, etc, whatever you have to do. I wouldn't allow myself to get written up for something I didn't do. Just not right.

I hope you get it! And, you'll be off night shift, and not be falling asleep in your pizza anymore haha :)