Applying for day shift during probation period

[herowneulogy, BSN, RN]

In a nutshell, I started at a new hospital, and recently found out that they have day shift position available. I asked my manager about it and was told that because I'm on probation, I'm not eligible to apply. I asked my union rep about it, and they informed me that what my nurse manager said was false. If no one else (with seniority, of course) has applied, I should be considered for the position before it's released to Nurse Recruitment, thus making it possible for anyone non-employee to apply.

My thing is, what's the point of being an employee if you don't get primary consideration over non-employees....even if you are on probation???

My union rep says I should pursue it. However, I'm afraid if I do, they will fire me with no cause/reason, since I'm technically still on my probationary period. I'm a great nurse, very meticulous and I keep to myself, but I feel like if I'm going to be rejected for a position, there should be a valid reason. That being said, I do want to keep my job.

What advice would you give concerning this situation?

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Why are you on probation?

[dansamy]

Why are you on probation?

New hire probation. In some facilities, it lasts as long as 6 months.

[schnookimz]

For the sake of not rocking the boat during probation, I don't think I would apply. Would the job be on a different unit or the same?

[herowneulogy, BSN, RN]

The job is on the same unit. It just doesn't make sense to me why I'm not being considered for a vacancy that no one has applied for or has shown interest in....

[schnookimz]

I agree, that is strange. I thought the issue was that the unit training you was upset you wanted to switch to a different unit already--but that's not the case.

[herowneulogy, BSN, RN]

@schnookimz Oh no, if it were that scenario I would absolutely understand why they wouldn't allow me to transfer....it's on the same unit and it's a shift that I've gotten use to being on orientation at this new place.

I've been paying union dues and have union representation, but again, there's the issue of probation; the union wouldn't be able to petition a termination in that case. I have to be smart about aggressively pursuing this.