Transferring in a hospital system?

[WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN]

I finished nursing school, recently passed my NCLEX, and am ready to work! The hospital I'm currently working at as a CNA is only offering me a PRN med-surg job. I know I won't be able to make a livable salary during the summer because the snow-birds are gone.

My supervisor had encouraged me to consider sister hospitals for my first RN job. One sister hospital is union and has great clinical opportunities. I'm concerned about how hard it really is to transfer between hospitals. Would I be considered a stronger candidate for a position because I'm an internal candidate? How long does it really take to transfer? Would it be quicker than applying to a whole new hospital system? (I don't plan on leaving my hospital system, I just was curios) I know my supervisor would sign the form immediately, she's been very supportive of my nursing career.

Part of me is having reservations about leaving this hospital, I feel like I'd be giving up wonderful connections I've made with my fellow staff, and I'm worried if I say I want to transfer that I won't be able to get a job at the sister hospital and be out of the running for a whole system. Is that an irrational fear, or could this actually happen?

Thanks for the help! All advice is appreciated!

[LL143KnB, BSN, RN]

Are you up in Charlotte County or with LMHS?

[krisiepoo]

Here's something to think about...

One of my friends has worked as a nursing assistant for a year in a big hospital system where I used to live. they don't hire ADN grads (she's now getting her BSN). She got hired in a LTC as an RN and has kept her CNA job but went per diem so she is still in the system but getting RN experience in LTC and can then keep some of her seniority at the hospital for after she graduates. You don't HAVE to leave your current hospital completely. sounds like your manager likes you, if you get an RN position at another hospital, ask to stay per diem

[LL143KnB, BSN, RN]

^That's an option too

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

Well, I would look for hospital system policies regarding the issues. When I was laid off, I was in a different division and so when I transferred I had to do another orientation because I was switching divisions. Otherwise it is no sweat. It took me about a month to fully transfer.

[WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN]

My supervisor is trying to make this transfer as seamless as possible. I haven't received the job yet (my interview is tomorrow!) but she put in a good word for me to the hiring manager at the other hospital.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

It'll probably go quicker if both sides agree but it also depends on HR. If HR drags their feet, there is nothing you really can do.

[WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN]

It'll probably go quicker if both sides agree but it also depends on HR. If HR drags their feet, there is nothing you really can do.

Yeah, I had this issue initially getting hired to the hospital system. The HR person was out sick and she was the ONLY HR person at this hospital.

Hopefully it all goes smoothly. I interview tomorrow! Wish me luck!