Intra-Hospital Transfer: What are the expectations during the transition period?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I work as a vascular access nurse in a hospital setting. Recently I applied for a transfer to pediatrics, and got accepted. My question is am i obligated to work in vascular access whenever asked, until they find a replacement? It is a specialized unit and will take time to find someone, but I really would like to focus on my new position in pediatrics.

---

Dear Am I Obligated?

Congrats, new Peds nurse!

Often when it comes to intra-hospital transfers, the two nurse managers involved talk and work out the timing of the transfer. For example, let's say Ashley is the nurse manager of Vascular Access and Jeniffer is the nurse manager of Peds:

Ashley: ” I'm so bummed I'm losing my best nurse to you.”

Jeniffer: I know! I'm so excited to get her in Peds. So when can you let her go?”

Ashley: We've been so busy in Vascular and I have no replacement lined up. Can you wait until May?”

Jeniffer: Not really, I'm 2 nurses down and have to get her trained...can you let her go in April?”

Ashley: Ok, she can start April 8th, the day of the first pay period in April. I'll take care of the paper work. You owe me, friend.”

The transfer should be a finite event and not a process as far as you're concerned. You are not obligated to work in Vascular once you've transferred to Peds.

It's natural for them to call you to help out, and it's natural for you to want to help out. It's nice if you are able and willing to help out occasionally, but remember, managing the hospital's staffing issues is not your job. The more you say Yes”...the more they will call!

Your job right now, as you said, is to apply yourself 100% to Peds and to learn your new role. If you feel you are being guilted, just have a conversation with Ashley. Ashley, I feel pressured when I'm asked to come fill in on Vascular. I am on overload learning my new job. I'm so sorry, I'm not available to help out (or I can help in an emergency only)”

Best of luck in your new role in Peds!

Nurse Beth

[JossAY]

I agree with Nurse Beth. I would have worked this out with the other manager during the transfer. I also think the hiring manager has a responsibility to step in and protect their new employee if the old supervisor is applying pressure. I'm protective over my staff and would hate to see them put in that awkward position of saying no to their old team. I feel that as a manager, it's my job to have those tough conversations.