Does my manager know when I'm applying to jobs?

allnurses Guide · Jun 25, 2019

That is not considered an invasion of privacy. I have worked in organizations where that is the policy. You should search the policies in your facility for information on internal transfers.

Always remember that the organization works to facilitate its own procedures and processes. You aren't the priority. Smoothness and seamless transitions are, so many of them do inform managers when there has been an application submitted. That is why it is best to discuss it with your manager before seeking to make a change. A good manager will wish you well and help you transfer. A bad one won't. If you have a bad one you may do better to change hospital systems all together.

K+MgSO4, BSN · Jun 25, 2019

It would depend on the technology that your system is using. It is not an invasion of privacy, you signed a contract, check the details.

If an internal candidate applies for a position in my unit, I will use my network and pick up the phone to talk with the manager and or the educator to get a sense of who they are especially if they did not use them as references.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jun 25, 2019

In my previous organization, it was considered a courtesy between managers/directors for one to let the other know if a person was being interviewed for a position in another department or area, so yes — it definitely happens. When I applied to a position internally, I let my boss know first. I just felt that was honest, and I also felt comfortable doing so because she knew I would be looking for a new position due to health reasons.

klone, MSN, RN · Jun 25, 2019

At the last place I worked, it was professional courtesy for a manager to let the employee’s current manager know if an employee had applied for one of their positions.

caliotter3 · Jun 25, 2019

1 hour ago, K+MgSO4 said:
It would depend on the technology that your system is using. It is not an invasion of privacy, you signed a contract, check the details.
If an internal candidate applies for a position in my unit, I will use my network and pick up the phone to talk with the manager and or the educator to get a sense of who they are especially if they did not use them as references.

This. One way or another the new manager will try to get a feel for the applicant from the old manager.

JadedCPN, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2019

Do not be fooled into thinking you have any privacy within your organization. Your emails can be monitored. Even if your current manager doesn't get an instant notification through the system when you do apply, like others have mentioned they will likely still be aware.

K+MgSO4, BSN · Jun 25, 2019

2 hours ago, caliotter3 said:
This. One way or another the new manager will try to get a feel for the applicant from the old manager.

Totally, our grads rotate through 2 departments and I will hear about the second rotation grads issues before meet them.

Emm_RN, ASN, BSN, MSN · Jun 29, 2019

Thank you all for your replies. My manager and I have a fantastic relationship but the reason I am looking for a new position is due to health concerns. I don't think I told her because just in case I decided to stay, I didn't want to be known as that person who was looking to leave. I may just mention to her that I am looking because I do not want to have a bad relationship with her going forward. Thank you all for your input.