Frustrated and seeking advice

[LatanyaMay2006]

I have been a RN for going on 4 years and I have been in the medical field in some way or another for the last 10 years. I have worked at the same hospital for the last 4 years on a medical floor on the night shift. My aspirations are to transfer down to the OR. I have worked in an ambulatory surgical center for 5 years before getting my license and have had a lot of hands on training in other areas.

So this is a little on the situation: Three years ago I approached my manager and made her aware that I would like to switch to days when an opportunity arise. Since that time, 3 people have been hired to work on days (full time) and 2 ( PD) and she asked another 3 or 4 people on the nights, if they were interested in moving to days. I was so angry because I felt like my request did not matter and it was just swept under the rug. A coworker made me aware that there were 2 positions opening in the OR at my hospital. Happily I filled out the transfer request, attached a resume and a cover letter. I received no response after 2 weeks so I decided to call HR and I spoke to the manager. I was told that she would personally give the Perioperative manager a call and pass along my information. A week and a half went by and I heard nothing, so I decided to give the OR manager a call myself.

The call was short lived as I introduced myself and told her my intentions for calling. I was told "we do not hire those without OR experience" and to "email the educator to see when a perioperative class would be opening next". (I stated that I had 5 years of experience working in an OR... ) I thought there might be some hope in this and I did as I was told. I emailed the educator only to get a response that there is no perioperative class that is held. The educator is available for those who are new hires or transfers and classes are held for them. So I felt like I was back to square one.

The reason why I feel frustrated is that when I wanted to switch shifts, my requests are being ignored and others are basically getting what they requested. When I wanted to transfer to another unit, I feel like I am being given the run around or basically told NO. I have had 4 other coworkers transfer to other units (OR, PP, ICU) who were basically new grads and came in at the same time as I did. They also had the same educational background. I however have more work health care work experience than they do. Also when I wanted to transfer to one of our sister hospitals earlier on when I was hired, that basically went unanswered. But another person was able to transfer to the hospital of her choice. I hate to play the race card here because I like to think my actions and work ethic will speak for themselves. But I am getting a feeling like I was hired to meet a "quota" and me advancing my career at this specific hospital is not going to happen.

I am seriously thinking of scheduling an appointment with the CNO and having a chat with her. Someone else suggested that I obtain legal counsel and have them look into the matter. I really like the hospital that I work for, but I feel like my career is right where it started. I was thinking I should just leave and start over someone else, but I want to stay for the tuition reimbursement. Have any of you experienced a situation like this? Any advice for this frustrated person?

Sorry for the rant...

[BSNtraumaqueenRN]

I'm not sure what it is? How is the quality of your resume? Maybe you should try and have someone look at your resume and cover letter to critique it? Keep your head up and keep applying for jobs someone will want you! Keep Trying to apply at different hospitals!