Accepted Job in Radiology But Wants to Renege

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

Updated:  

Nurse Beth,

I've accepted a transfer position as a radiology nurse in my current hospital. I already have a transfer date. My question is there's a new position that opened that I originally applied to as a rehab nurse , and they posted that the position is open again. I'm thinking of submitting an application. Can I still apply for this open position even if I accepted the offer as a radiology nurse?

Share this post

+ Add A Comment
Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Thinking,

Sometimes timing is just not in our favor, and sometimes we try to manipulate circumstances that are not working out the way we want.

While you probably can apply (it depends on your organization and you need to check with HR), it could definitely be awkward or even backfire. 

Are you thinking of going to the Radiology manager and rescinding your offer, and then applying to Rehab? This could go sideways for you if the Radiology manager talks to the Rehab manager and says you don't know what you want.

It's also possible you won't be offered the Rehab position. You said you originally applied there, and you weren't hired at that time. How long have you been in your current position? If you are not hired to Rehab, will you be OK to stay where you are?

What you could do:

Explain that you always were interested in Rehab and did not know a position would be opening

Rehab is more suitable to skillset and long-term career path 

Acknowledge the time and effort spent on hiring you to Radiology and that you'll be happy to honor your job commitment to Radiology if that's what's decided

Best wishes on your decision,

Nurse Beth

+ Add a Comment