Interfacility position denied

Unfortunately that's how it is where I work too. They typically won't let someone move until their current position is filled. (It makes no sense to me, an opening is an opening. Either way, they will need to be filled).

Hi all!!

I'm new to nursing and have worked in my hospital for two years. There is a position on another shift available, but they are saying they won't allow me to go to the position because then my shift will be short. Well, duh, it will be short? Is this really my problem? It just doesn't seem fair. But is this really how it goes? Advice?

Yes, this is typical nursing politics. The way I avoided this issue is by moving to a completely new hospital. My manager was like "you didn't want to work in our ER?" And I was thinking..'Maybe I would've but I wouldn't be able to hop skip jump over there when I wanted to and you probably would have blocked my transfer..'

I understand that this is confusing to you. Keep in mind that most of the decisions made make no sense, have no logic behind them, and are rarely made with our satisfaction in mind. You are thinking, regardless there is a shortage already, it's just moving the shortage from one shift to another. So instead of allowing you to change, and possible keeping you happy they come up with some rule that makes not a bit of sense (possibly losing you anyway and having 2 shortages instead of just 1).

I too have to be reminded often that I will never make sense of these policies and rules, because often, they have little common sense behind them.