Advice on switching units

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Hello all. I have been on the medsurg floor a little over a year now. THis is my first nursing job. I have found out there is going to be an opening in another unit that I have been waiting to get the chance to go to. I spoke with someone there, they say when I apply, let manager, etc. know that I have since they will find out once I apply. My question is, what to say, how to approach it. Will it be a problem? I have been upfront ever since i was hired that it was my desire to go to this other unit when I was eligible/able. Your thoughts? :)

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Hello: I think that you should just go for it!!!! If this is something that you want to do than just apply. The hospital would rather keep an employee than to loose you all together to another hospital so you can get the specialty that you want. If you manager is worth their salt, they wouldn't want to hold you back... Good luck to you, and keep us posted!!!!

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Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

I think I would just let your manager know that the opportunity you have been waiting for has been made available to you and you plan to pursue it. You want to let your manager know in a timely fashion so that if your absence will impact your current unit's staffing, they have time to work around it. The best to you in your new pursuit!

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Specializes in ICU.

out of respect for the manager, i would tell them.

also, i believe in (trying) to never burn any bridges; you never know who you may end up working for:uhoh21:

best of luck to you!

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Specializes in ED/trauma.

My understanding of med/surg is that people either do it for life or use it as a way to get acclimated to nursing, then move on. I believe most managers know this and are not shocked (or offended) when newbies want to leave the nest. If you have a "good" manager, s/he will most likely support your decision to move. Just make sure you're tactful and considerate in your approach, explaining that you've learned much and would like to apply your skills to this other unit.

Congrats and good luck! I look forward to doing the same in about a year!

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Apply for the post then tell manager. Sometimes even good managers try to talk staff into staying so they do not have to go through the hassle of replacing a nurse. Tell the manager you have applied for the post on unit x, you have appreciated all you have learned on her unit but you really want to give this new unit a try. Be aware if you do not get this post, it may get sticky on your present unit for a short while. Good luck.

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Apply for the position, go for interview with another unit manager and if you will get a job offer, then notify your current manager, because if you won't be offered a new position, staying in your current position may become awkward. Good luck!

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thanks for the replies. I was advised to let my current manager know as soon as I appy because they will be notified right away, even before I get to interview for new position. I guess it will be awkward if I don't get the other position, but whatever, it is not going to keep me from trying to get what I want. Sometimes I think fear and intimidation keep some people from moving on from the floor. They complain and moan, but never leave.

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thanks for the replies. I was advised to let my current manager know as soon as I appy because they will be notified right away, even before I get to interview for new position. I guess it will be awkward if I don't get the other position, but whatever, it is not going to keep me from trying to get what I want. Sometimes I think fear and intimidation keep some people from moving on from the floor. They complain and moan, but never leave.

Nah not really awkward if you do not get it. Been there twice with 2 different manages. But it would (for me) be awkward if they found our before I told them. It (to me )is kind of disrespectful to apply to another position in house and not talk to your current manage first.

The truth is you do not always get the transfer you want. There are a LOT of reasons and many have nothing to do with you or your qualifications.

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thanks for the replies. I was advised to let my current manager know as soon as I appy because they will be notified right away, even before I get to interview for new position. I guess it will be awkward if I don't get the other position, but whatever, it is not going to keep me from trying to get what I want. Sometimes I think fear and intimidation keep some people from moving on from the floor. They complain and moan, but never leave.

Good luck to you, and I hope that you get the position that you want.... If it is meant to be, now or later you will:D. When I was applying for a new unit (in house), the nurse recruiter told me, dont tell your manager, unless you get the job!!! Well having working for my former manager (I got the job), for 2.5 years, we had a very good relationship... So I told her anyway... She is very supportive and doesn't want to hold anyone back.. She is a very special lady in general... TAkE Care and I hope that all works out:nurse: :redbeathe :nurse:

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