change unit before/during/or after my maternity leave

[treeye]

I am taking 12 weeks maternity leave in a couple of weeks, 6 weeks paid and 6 weeks unpaid. I'll use some PTO to cover insurance costs during the leave.

The policy at our facility is that my current unit can hold me for 90 days. I'd like not to delay my transfer but I am not sure whether I should apply before/during or after my maternity leave. Anyone has experiences with that? I am not sure whether I should ask HR or the new unit manager because I don't think my current boss knows my plan to exit. Thanks for the input.

[ArrowRN, BSN, RN]

Got no experience with this, but if you staying with the same facility and just changing units, you'd be naive to think your new boss does not tell your current boss. They are peers and all talk to each other. It's not a crime to change units, I'd give appropriate notice about your plans per your hospital policy. Your manager would appreciate having time to get a new orientee to replace you. Just ensure your new position is a solid offer and the managers can work to ensure a smooth transfer.

[kp2016]

You need to call HR. My last hospital had a policy that you could not be on any sort of leave during the period of required notice.

[TrashPanda]

I am with ArrowRN. My advice is to follow the policy of your facility. To. The. Letter. I have seen nurses burn many a good bridge doing just this very thing. In my manager days, I was burned more than once by a maternity-leaver. You should feel no guilt in wanting to follow another career path, but please do not leave your current manager out in the cold. Communication is best and your reputation in that facility will thank you for it. As ArrowRN said, managers talk to each other. A LOT!