How soon should I request to switch floors?

Miss_Piggy.RN · Feb 16, 2010

Every hospital has different rules. I have to wait 6 months before they will "let me" transfer for other unit. We were even told by HR during orientation that we have to wait 6 months.

Call HR and ask them. I am sure they will tell you what policy your hospital has regarding transfers.

asun21ta · Feb 16, 2010

It does not hurt to ask if you are able to request a transfer. Rememer hospitals are very particular, you may be too new to transfer anywhere. I am playing devil's advocate here, but keep in mind that you just started orientation and since that particular floor is difficult to get on, the opportunity probably will be given to someone with higher seniority than you. There may be other workers who have been there for some time who may have put their bids in already. I am not saying don't give it a whirl, but do not be too disapointed if you can't transfer. Give it a try, you may get lucky. If they say no, it's ok. Be thankful for the position you where able to get and continue to do your best on the floor that you are on. Just try again later once you've become a more seasoned worker. :)

CNA2day · Feb 20, 2010

I would wait till you show u are a valued employee before asking to transfer!

KEN44 · Feb 20, 2010

Thank you for your advice. Your information helped! I will just wait it out a little while. Thanks again.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2010

That sounds like where I work. Everyone wants to go to Postpartum and those positions don't come up very often. The last time there was a position opened I applied, and of course I didn't get it. It went to someone with 15 years with the hospital. As soon as I read the posting I immediately requested for the transfer but soon I heard that there were 11 in hospital requests and about a few dozen out of hospital applicants. I didn't see it as a loss since I do love the float pool and every so often I am sent there. I just wanted to try the unit on a more permanent basis.

Since you've already accepted a position and already started orientation then you most likely wont be allowed to transfer. Most places expect you to pass your probation period at a minimum before you're allowed to request for a transfer. You can always request a transfer but don't put all your eggs in one basket if it's a unit that's hard to get into. Good Luck

juliaann · Feb 22, 2010

I waited a year for my first transfer. I found that transfers are much more successful if you've been a dependable employee with fantastic performance reviews and good relationships with your coworkers. Take every opportunity to pick up shifts on other floors/float, being outgoing and positive and get to know everyone you can! If applicable, further your education in the department you want to work in! I knew I wanted to be a CV Tech, so I signed up to take basic dysrhythmia, and worked really hard at it. Then I started "showing up" in the monitor room, got to know the monitor techs, helped make sure they got breaks - and when a a few shifts a month opened up in the monitor room I was qualified and willing! I made an effort to get to know the cardiologists and the fellows, and showed them I always knew my stuff! Then I took an EKG class through the hospital, and floated to ER as often as I could (where the CNA's preform all EKGs in my hospital). When a CV Tech spot opened up, I was the most qualified candidate, and everyone knew I wanted it. I had to wait and it was frustrating (med/surg CNA work is NOT very compatible with my personality and in a lot of ways it was a bad fit for me, but I had to see it through), but I knew I was working towards my goal, and it was good for me to work hard and get experience wherever I could!

Definitely wait it out, work hard, make connections, and keep your eyes on that job posting list!!