Scared to have a convo with my nurse manager ?

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I’ve been a MICU nurse for 5 years now and recently have had 2 kids. I had to move hospitals to be closer to home and take a part time nights position in doing so in another icu. When I interviewed for the job there were definitely vague facts left out that I found out later on when I started actually working. For example floating to step down. I was asked if I was comfortable with that which I was because we did it at my old job, but when I asked how frequently I wasn’t given an amount just told there was a “book that kept track of when it was your turn etc.” come to find out we float there once a month. Also nursing ratios I was told were 2 to 1. I have now been tripled 3 times while on orientation. Granted I had a preceptor but the idea is for me to learn the new environment, no? Anyway I want to make a move out to a procedural setting and go back to school I’ve decided. I found a part time days position in a Cath Lab at another hospital within the same system. However when I spoke to the recruiter she told me I need permission from my nurse manager to interview or else I have to wait 1 year in my current position! I really don’t feel like I can make it a year but I’m scared to have a convo with my NM and basically tell her I want to leave and it’s not working out. PS my last week of orientation is now. I just feel like I need to make this move and it would make me a much happier person for my family. Any advice???

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I would stress the going back to school part and leave the other stuff out completely.

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Yeah im not going to mention any of my complaints about the unit, was thinking of saying school and nights isn’t working for my family at home which isn’t untrue. I can’t sleep prior to my shift because I don’t have anyone to watch my kids. I hope she isn’t mad because she will have to OK my transfer with HR.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Even if she is mad, life will go on. Smart managers don't keep people nailed down who don't really want to be there, because nobody wins in that situation. Look around at other hospital systems for similar positions, have the conversation and be sure to thank her for the opportunity she gave you.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Floating once a month is not bad at all, IMO. Anything less than that and you risk losing skills/competency/comfortableness in that area.

Have any of the other nurses been tripled, or has it just been you, while working with another nurse?

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

I'm reading your post trying to see what exactly is making you so unhappy that you "can't make it a year".

I understand being nervous talking to your manager because you applied for the job, were trained, and now want to leave right after orientation. I'd be nervous about having that conversation, too.

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54 minutes ago, Nurse Beth said:

I'm reading your post trying to see what exactly is making you so unhappy that you "can't make it a year".

I understand being nervous talking to your manager because you applied for the job, were trained, and now want to leave right after orientation. I'd be nervous about having that conversation, too.

Honestly overall its just not a good fit for me and my family. And unfortunately I did not realize how difficult nights would be with having 2 young kids. The last time i did nights I didn't have kids so really didnt give it much thought and even imagined it would be better. I take full responsibility for that fact though and feel really bad about it not working out like I hoped. In addition to that, the people on the unit are bullies for lack of a better term. To be tripled multiple times in ICU to me is unsafe. Ive asked for help from other nurses before and the response I got was "Im focused right now, go ask someone else". The aides do absolutely nothing even when asked. When being taught how to use their accudose machine someone came up behind me and screamed in my ear "MOVE". The culture there is just terrible. My preceptor was 8 months pregnant also and unable to help me when tripled.

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2 hours ago, klone said:

Floating once a month is not bad at all, IMO. Anything less than that and you risk losing skills/competency/comfortableness in that area.

Have any of the other nurses been tripled, or has it just been you, while working with another nurse?

Honestly im not sure if other nurses have been. My preceptor was even uncomfortable with the assignment and complained. Its 3 very sick patients also. I think since they feel that I have a preceptor we are 2 nurses and can handle being tripled. However the preceptor just ends up putting all 3 on me and not doing much. I work in the ICU and the stepdown is directly next to the unit. Not being floated to step down from ICU would not cause me to lose my skills IMO.

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Say she allows you to interview for the cath lab position. If you didn't get that job, would you be looking to stay in the ICU? If so, under what circumstances?

How to go about this conversation depends on what you're still expecting from her. In any case, be warm and grateful for the opportunity. Apologize but don't grovel. A small and thoughtful gift might even be useful depending on your read of your manager. And have the talk sooner rather than later.

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Honestly no. Looking to move out of icu. Thank you for the advice!

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Specializes in NICU.

During orientation you can quit or be fired.Most places have a rule that one must do a year in a unit before being allowed to transfer.Why should they do it for you?I do not see you having much leverage,and your complaints will not be heard as there are others in the same pit.Going back to school might be a way out,but school is very stressful too and expensive.Good luck to you.

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12 hours ago, Leader25 said:

During orientation you can quit or be fired.Most places have a rule that one must do a year in a unit before being allowed to transfer.Why should they do it for you?I do not see you having much leverage,and your complaints will not be heard as there are others in the same pit.Going back to school might be a way out,but school is very stressful too and expensive.Good luck to you.

That is true however I was told if my nurse manager allows the transfer then it can be done. She has to ok it first which is why I’m having the conversation.

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