Transfer within the facility - Notify CM?

I think the first question to ask yourself is why you aren't satisfied with where you are - you've tried different shifts, so what is really causing it? I say that because perhaps it is the facility themselves, their mission/values and approach that doesn't fit what you are wanting.

With that out of the way, in regards to your question I would check with your policy in regards to whether your manager would be notified or not. I've worked in facilities where managers were not notified if you applied to another unit or interviewed until you got a job offer, and I've worked in facilities where if you applied your manager was automatically notified. That may be a good opportunity to sit down and speak with your manager about why you are interested in changing positions, because perhaps it is an easy fix that she can help you with - again, that just depends on why you aren't satisfied.

Another thing to consider is how comrfortable you are talking to your manager, and how receptive you feel he/she will be. If she is one of those managers who would not take it very well if you told her you were looking elsewhere, it may not be a good idea to mention it until you have something in place because she could take that as an excuse to let you go.

Thank you. That helps, for sure. I am not satisfied on the unit I am on because I am not learning enough. It is a Surgical floor. I have no experience with medical patients, I have only been a part of 2 codes, performed CPR once, and the floor just simply does not interest me much. I often feel more like a waitress than a Nurse. I thought being there when the patients were awake might give me more opportunities for critical thinking, interventions, and more practice with my skills, it didn't. I am hoping to go to an ICU or ICU Step down. Obviously, I would re-word this reasoning. In your opinion, does this come off condescending? I don't want to insult her or come off rude in anyway. Thank you again!

My suggestion would be seeing if you can shadow on the critical care unit you are interested in for a shift or so before you decide to change units.

Again, it all depends on how your manager is. If you felt the need to give a more detailed explanation, you could say that you've been an RN now for 18 months and are ready to use the great knowledge base you have learned on that floor to challenge yourself in a critical care setting.