Uh Oh!!

Published

Specializes in ICU, PACU, Cath Lab.

Well we are almost set to make the big move to Texas and I am so excited. I feel like I have been waiting for this forever! But now I am petrified!! I called my new hospital last night to confirm some details..set up drug testing..etc..etc. Well the recruiter that I was working with is no longer there. So now they are searching for my file. Man...I hope that nothing falls through the slots here...like my job, or relocation that I negotiated. I feel so dumb. I accepted the job in Feb, and have been chcking in periodically, most recently about 2 weeks ago, and everything seemed fine. But now the recuriter is gone, the one that was there when they offered me the position is gone and the nurse manager that interviewed me is gone ( I knew she was leaving). I feel like something fishy is going on and I am scared. My family is depending on me. We have signed a lease and are all ready to go...not sure what I will do if I do not really have this job! Sorry just venting a bit.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room.

Hopefully everything is fine, but you could always start looking for backup plans, just in case.

Will this be your first time in Texas?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, PACU, Cath Lab.

Yeah I am looking around just in case...this will be my first time living in TX...but I have been there quite a few times!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This turnover does not bode well. And facilities that offer relocation from out of state often have problems keeping nurses.

I met a good friend who moved to TX due to the relocation assist and promise of great things - she got the heck out of Dodge when she found out the real truth.

Get online to newspapers in the area and see what else is available if you can't change your plans.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, PACU, Cath Lab.

Wow..I am speechless. I knew that sign on bonuses were usually a bad sign..but man. I cannot just not move now, I mean I have put a big chunk of money down on this house. I guess I thought that since this hospital system had a good reputation that I did not have to worry so much. I could just cry right now...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Don't cry, make a plan. Even hospital systems that have seemingly good reputations have problems keeping staff and offer incentives. Why else would a facility offer extra money to move someone from out of town or out of state?

You need to make sure that they have your file and that the job is still good. Call the hospital operator and ask for the unit director's office. Just because the old one is gone doesn't mean you can't talk to the new one. Tell him/her that you interviewed with the old manager and were hired and you are confirming that you are ready to move. The next move is hers to tell you whether or not she has any clue about you coming on board. If she doesn't, she needs to find out. If she doesn't offer to look into things....something is wrong. Then I would continue to call HR and insist that you speak with the director. Be sure to be calm and professional. If you get the high pitched stressed voice that women are notorious for, this can put you at their mercy. Keep calling till you get concrete answers.

Obviously there are communication problems if they can't even find your file. For future reference - anytime you take a job with a bonus or relocation assist, if you leave before the designated time period the hospital will likely make you pay back all the money. They went after my friend for leaving before 2 years was up. It isn't pretty or fun to go through.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room.

I think anywhere you work could be bad, or good....sometime it's an individual's opinion.

It could be coincidence that there are two people you have come into contact with who left. People leave jobs all the time...more pay, closer to the house, etc. It doesn't necessarily mean that the job itself will be terrible.

You could get in there and love the people you work with, and tolerate the hospital politics enough to love your job.

You can always try to pick up a PRN position at another facility until you see what the situation is at this particular hospital. If it is truly hades, then make your decision on what to do then.

....Welcome to Texas! You will love it here! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, PACU, Cath Lab.

When I interviewed I knew the nurse manager was leaving, she told me, she got a different position within the hospital. I am not going to base my opinion on the entire hospital on the fact that the HR dept has had some turnover. I am waiting to hear from HR, I should give the new NM a call. I wanted to talk to him anyway.

I know that I have to stay at the hospital for a certain amount of time to recieve the relocation bonus..I am not a total idiot, although it may seem like I am.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

welcome to texas!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

You don't seem like a total idiot at all :). Not even a bitty idiot (now that has some rhythm to it). I bet they find your paperwork and sign on bonuses aren't necessarily a bad sign, either.

Our hospital gives out of state nurses moving expenses, etc. and we have very little turnover, other than the having babies/moving kind.

Make a call, take a walk, I imagine things will be sorted out in no time.

Congratulations on your new job; it's nice to have a start-over once in a while.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

im curious.........what part of texas?:confused:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, PACU, Cath Lab.

Thanks to you all for the kindness and support. I by-passed HR and called my NM..everything is fine, he is going to deal with HR for me..getting the physical and drug testing set up! I feel much better, I just needed a place to vent a little and thanks for letting me.

BTW..I asked for the relocation bonus...they did not out right offer it...moving 1200 miles, I am going to get some new furniture!! And it is Houston...I will be there in 2 weeks!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion