The politics of transferring units

loriangel14, RN · Jan 19, 2016

I don't see why it should be an issue. Where I work people change units all the time. Applying is no big secret. What can they say? If a job is posted there is no reason why you shouldn't apply.

floridaRN38 · Jan 19, 2016

Where I work if when u apply online. The manager gets an email that u applied to another unit.

amzyRN · Jan 20, 2016

I don't think managers are supposed to be informed when they apply to another position, but I'm fairly certain my manager was tipped off. It's so embarrassing. I pulled my application out, at least temporarily. I don't want to offend my manager by stating my interest in other departments, but think it is better if she hears it from me. It's so awkward.

Karou · Jan 20, 2016

I know for certain that my manager has been aware every single time someone has applied to transfer.

Because it's inevitable that the manager will know, people usually give a heads up. Most apply for positions that will let them build on their career goals (more critical care area, mother/baby, newborn, ect...)

It's understandable that some people will get restless and want to move on. I'd advise you to explain to your manager that you are applying for xxx unit because you want to get experience in that speciality, and that this has been a goal for you. It's better for the manager to hear it from you first.

amzyRN · Jan 20, 2016

I am going to talk to her about it this week. Someone advised me against it, but it didn't feel right to keep it a secret especially because it's an internal position. And, it's not that my unit is bad. It's a good unit with good people. I just want to broaden my experiences. I don't want to burn bridges.

ORNerd, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2016

It might be awkward but do you want to be stuck on a unit that you see no future on? It is what it is, don't feel obliged to continue working there because of awkwardness and poor staffing if you leave. Pursue the specialty you want. Managers should expect that a portion of their staff will eventually move on to other things, and it's their job to fill in the gaps of those that do so. Where I used to work, it was courteous to let the manager know that we had applied for another position so she could start to think ahead to hiring someone else, and so she wouldn't be caught of guard when the manager from the prospective unit called to inquire about the employee.

Just tell your manager you have applied for a position in a specialty that intrests you and you think will do good things for your career. Then put your 2 week notice in if and when you get the new job. Don't withdraw another application of the opportunity might disappear!

danceyrun · Jan 20, 2016

I think you should be honest and tell him or her that you are interested in growing as a nurse. It may be uncomfortable in the interim but you have to do what is best for you. In the future, it's considered respectful to let your manager know that you are interested in transferring so that they aren't blindsided by HR (at least in my neck of the woods anyhow).

nutella, MSN, RN · Jan 20, 2016

If you tell your manager make sure to not to mention all the bad stuff - focus on something like "I would like to further my education and broaden my horizon" --nobody can argue with such a noble goal. You can also talk about the vision you have for yourself like going back to school or such. Just do not talk about the stuff that bugs you because managers tend to take that personally even though it may be truly the reason why you are leaving...

floridaRN38 · Jan 20, 2016

The manager will find out either way. I don't think it's a bad idea that u talk with them about. In my ER. There have been plenty of nurses that left on good terms to go to another unit. Then after a few weeks realized they missed the ER. And since they were on good terms with our manager they got to come back. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Go for what u really want to do!! :)

loriangel14, RN · Jan 22, 2016

Why would it be an issue if you were interested in another unit? They don't own you. Where I work you can just tell your manager if you are thinking about moving. Most job postings we all know who applied.