Management holding me back

[nursefrancois]

I need advise. I am a licensed registered nurse. I have my BSN which gives me opportunities for advancement in my profession. My employer is located in Dallas. I drive a great distance to go to work because I want to help our country veterans. However, my problem is two folded.

First, my work environment is stressing me out. A few of my co-workers stated they have "personal problems" with me. However, these individuals don't know me on a "personal" level. I have tried and failed at resolving the issue myself with these individuals. Management is fully aware of the situation, but I was told by the nurse manager that she doesn't interfere in "personal issues". I was taught in nursing school that management is there to support the staff and resolve issues.

I applied for another position in the hospital and was accepted by another department. All is well except that my Nurse Manager and Nursing Service Coordinator both verbally told me that they don't want me to leave my unit because "they need me". I have been approached on several occasions by them asking me not to transfer. The second problem is that I was told by the receiving Nurse manager that the "floors are not cooperating". That statement got me thinking. I feel that management is deliberately trying to hold me back.

I am deeply bothered by my situation. I am beginning to have trouble sleeping at night. I need some answers to my dilemma. I feel all of my issues will be solved when I transfer because I will be advancing my expertise by getting specialized as a Operating Room Nurse. I don't mind being stressed out because I am trying to save a solider's life. Hence, I do mind being stressed out due to the fact the individuals feel they don't like my personality for whatever reason.

I plan to speak with my Nurse Manager and Nursing Coordinator about my request for transfer today. If I don't hear the right responses, then I will speak with the chief nurse. If that doesn't work then I will speak to human resources. If all of that fail. I will resign.

My question to all those who read this: What would you do?

[llg, PhD, RN]

I think you are doing the right thing by investigating the situation. However, I would be cautious in the way that you approach your management team. Simply ask them if they are blocking your transfer -- and if so, whether they are just delaying it or whether they plan to block it indefinitely. It's not uncommon for transfers to be delayed temporarily to allow the "giving" unit a chance to make plans to fill the holes you will leave in their schedule. If its just a temporary delay and your new unit can live with that, then put a smile on your face and accept that delay as a normal part of the work world.

If they are blocking your transfer on a long-term basis, then talk with Human Resources and find out what your options are. They may be able to free you from your old unit by encouraging the managers to let you go.

If the hospital is not going to let you transfer, then yes, you will have to resign and seek employment elsewhere if you want another job. But don't make it more personal and emotional than it really is. Don't assume that people are out to get you or anything like that. Deal with it in a factual way and make your decisions based on the facts, not emotions. Making a big emotional deal of it won't ehlep anyone, least of all, you.

[sjt9721, BSN, RN]

But don't make it more personal and emotional than it really is. Don't assume that people are out to get you or anything like that. Deal with it in a factual way and make your decisions based on the facts, not emotions. Making a big emotional deal of it won't ehlep anyone, least of all, you.

This last part of your post can be applied to all types of situations. Thank you for your eloquence!