Feeling Trapped!

[RNfindingherway]

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.

[klone, MSN, RN]

At my current facility, as well as the one where I worked previously, it was written into the nurse union contract that transfers must be done in no more than 30 days. I would look to see if there is specific language in your union contract, and if not, consider joining the bargaining committee to have that added, so that future nurses do not experience such roadblocks. Although, in the grand scheme of things, 6 weeks is not that long, and is probably written that way due to how the schedules are published.

[klone, MSN, RN]

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

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.

Gosh, I just don't understand that attitude. To what benefit does it serve to be pissy to someone who wants to leave the unit or go somewhere else?

[DowntheRiver]

6 hours ago, klone said:

Gosh, I just don't understand that attitude. To what benefit does it serve to be pissy to someone who wants to leave the unit or go somewhere else?

I don't understand it. I've been getting emails all week with policies attached for things that previously went unmentioned. For example, over 6 hours you are supposed to take a lunch. I worked a 6 last week but on my way out someone yelled they needed help (possible RRT) so of course I stopped and assisted so my hours for that day were 6.25. I know to take a lunch and it was not intentional and has NEVER happened before. Also got an email and policy reminder about cell phones but I wasn't on my cell phone - I literally looked at my Apple Watch for a stopwatch to clean a dressing since the batteries were out on my clock in my room. Again, I know no phones but what else should I have done - count out loud?

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

46 minutes ago, DowntheRiver said:

I don't understand it. I've been getting emails all week with policies attached for things that previously went unmentioned. For example, over 6 hours you are supposed to take a lunch. I worked a 6 last week but on my way out someone yelled they needed help (possible RRT) so of course I stopped and assisted so my hours for that day were 6.25. I know to take a lunch and it was not intentional and has NEVER happened before. Also got an email and policy reminder about cell phones but I wasn't on my cell phone - I literally looked at my Apple Watch for a stopwatch to clean a dressing since the batteries were out on my clock in my room. Again, I know no phones but what else should I have done - count out loud?

If the policy says no phones, then no phones. You don't have a real watch?

[DowntheRiver]

Just now, Ruby Vee said:

If the policy says no phones, then no phones. You don't have a real watch?

Literally no app was open and I was looking at the watch face for the seconds because the clock in the room was broken and no one had batteries.

And no, I don't have a real watch. None of my co-workers do. 90% of us have Apple Watches. And none of them have been reprimanded for looking at their watches.

[RNfindingherway, BSN, RN]

On 3/13/2019 at 12:09 PM, kbrn2002 said:

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.

It is very uncomfortable being in this situation. Everyday you go to work with a level of anxiety. I am trying to make the best of it and keep counting down. Many people I heard lost the opportunity because the job was gone because they couldn't hold the position for them. Another situation I heard about the guy called out ever so often that they got fed up with him and set him free. Another one she started to cry when they told her the release date. It all boils down to losing seniority and benefits as you said if you go outside the system. Thanks.