Feeling Trapped!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hello, I was offered a position at a hospital. I gave in my two weeks resignation. I was told by the hospital that my present job is releasing me in about six weeks from the resignation date. I was told by many employees at the facility that the have a history of holding people back. The new job said they will wait for me. However, I feel trapped and I feel angry that they will do this. Why nursing management do this to people? Anyone been in this situation or similar and how did you handle it? Thanks.

Specializes in ER.
13 minutes ago, Workitinurfava said:

Can you tell me some of the reasons ICU nurses transfer to the ER? I am just curious.

To try something new. To get out of a toxic unit.

3 Votes
Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

I've never had any experience with this and honestly don't understand how this works. It sounds like your employer can pretty much keep you hostage in a job they know you want to leave. What happens if the new position can't or won't wait until your current floor releases you for the transfer? Is the floor you are transferring to obligated to keep that job open for you until your current floor sees fit to release you? Or does that mean you're just stuck where you are if the position you already accepted is filled by other means since your current floor won't release your transfer?

That would be pretty uncomfortable I imagine having no choice but to stay on a floor that they already know you want to leave. The only other option sounds like it would be looking for another job outside the system you are in and thereby losing any seniority and benefits you may have built up.

Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

I am in the process of transferring at this moment, and it happened to me as well. In fact, I didn't even have to give a resignation date - my new manager and my old manager decided on that date for me and I have no say in the matter. So, I'm stuck for an extra 4 weeks.

My current manger was shocked when I asked to transfer and has been making my life a "policy" hell since I asked to transfer a week ago.

Specializes in LTC.

My husband used to work for a large grocery chain and they held people for at least 4-6 wks before releasing them as well.

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

This is not at all uncommon. When staying within an organization, there are often gives and takes between the 2 units and it's often written down in policy. At my facility, all transfers must occur at the end of a pay period, and the current unit can hold the transfer for up to 6 weeks. This allows the unit losing the staff member time to rearrange a schedule or sometimes even completely finish out the schedule that has been finalized. The goal is not to penalize the employee but to make the transition as smooth as possible for both units. It's about the bigger picture.

3 Votes
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

My husband transferred pithing the same hospital a couple of times. Once they held him for two months (he had to work out the published schedule) and the other time for about six weeks. Again with the published schedule. The hospital had a union, and he was the union representative.

On 3/12/2019 at 11:13 AM, TAKOO01 said:

At my job, transfers within the organization can be held for up to six pay periods. Yes, it is unionized.

So, no consolation except - it could have been longer.

My goodness. I never knew this stuff happens. Thanks.

17 hours ago, Ruby Vee said:

My husband transferred pithing the same hospital a couple of times. Once they held him for two months (he had to work out the published schedule) and the other time for about six weeks. Again with the published schedule. The hospital had a union, and he was the union representative.

It is truly an eye opener for me. I never knew this things happens. It is just hard being in a situation that is not feasible for you. Thanks.

On 3/13/2019 at 5:10 PM, DowntheRiver said:

I am in the process of transferring at this moment, and it happened to me as well. In fact, I didn't even have to give a resignation date - my new manager and my old manager decided on that date for me and I have no say in the matter. So, I'm stuck for an extra 4 weeks.

My current manger was shocked when I asked to transfer and has been making my life a "policy" hell since I asked to transfer a week ago.

SMH. I didn't have to write a resignation letter either but my ADN told me to do it anyway. But of course that was not honored. It is sad because many people lost their opportunity as I am learning now. The head nurse is so two faced. She is now trying to make problems for me on one hand and rubber band smile on the other. One LPN told me I am a celebrity around here. I just smiled. I am trying to hold it together with the help of God. Stay Strong and thanks.

On 3/12/2019 at 10:02 AM, Emergent said:

If it's in the same system you have no choice but to go along. In my hospital, which isn't huge, they've done that to ICU nurses wanting to come down to ER. We have a fun group and good reputation in the hospital. The ICU is more shorthanded, with some difficult personalities.

People had to wait more than 6 weeks so count yourself fortunate.

That's the hard part. I somehow don't feel fortunate but I get your point. I know they don't need me because they just close down a unit and therefore have excess nurses now. So much in excess that when (according to management) they have too much nurses on the floor they get rid of one or two CNA's and the Nurses have to do patient care. Thanks.

1 Votes
On 3/13/2019 at 8:58 PM, bluegeegoo2 said:

My husband used to work for a large grocery chain and they held people for at least 4-6 wks before releasing them as well.

Oh wow. I guess it is happening all over. They making it harder for one to leave a job. Thanks.

1 Votes
On 3/12/2019 at 11:13 AM, TAKOO01 said:

At my job, transfers within the organization can be held for up to six pay periods. Yes, it is unionized.

So, no consolation except - it could have been longer.

I am understanding that they can't hold you back for up to 3 months but not pass 3 months. Thanks.

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