Holding me hostage! Is this fair?!?

[Sugamama]

I just recently moved to another state and, therefore, had to start a new position at a new hospital. I started June 1st of this year and knew practically immediately that the position wasn't for me. I saw that the PACU in the hospital in which I currently work has two full-time positions posted. I worked PACU for 2.5 years before my move and now work ICU. I went straight to my current ICU manager on August 26th to discuss my desire to transfer to PACU. She and I actually had a nice discussion and she seemed to hear me. She even called the PACU manager to speak to her about a possible transfer. I was interviewed by the PACU manager, and offered the position. Everyone agreed to let me transfer early (they usually want you to work at least 6 months to a year before being eligible for transfer to another unit.) When I interviewed, the PACU manager informed me that my current manager wants me to finish out the schedule through November 5th. I thought that 10 weeks seemed a little excessive to wait for transfer; but, figured that my manager was doing me somewhat of a favor by letting me transfer this early in the game anyway, so I figured I would just suck it up and ride it out. Now I come to hear, from ANOTHER coworker, that she is thinking of making me stay another 6 weeks on top of the 10 she had already planned on me staying. Is this fair?? I know I need to speak to the PACU manager, as well as my current manager, to find out definitively what their plan is for me; but, I just found out about this and right now I feel so completely out of control of my own career and it's making me really upset. I HATE working in ICU and can barely stand the foreboding feeling I have day in and day out just trying to survive shift after shift. Has anyone ever encountered this before?

[Jolie, BSN]

I'm sorry for your situation, but you have acknowledged that they are making an exception to the 6 mo. rule in your case. Anything less than 6 months should be considered a gift.

Secondly, you need to confirm this information with the managers and not let rumors get your knickers in a twist. If there is another delay in the works, it may be due to an unavoidable reason such as another worker's medical leave, budget constraints, etc.

If it is not acceptable to wait any longer, you can always resign.