Union Grievance! I need help

[anurselpn]

I'm looking to get some advice. I recently accepted a new position in the hospital where I work. I was a nurse/ desk clerk and accepted a position as nurse/ ambulatory care. The manager in acu (ambulatory care) told me I could keep the clerk position and do acu as there are only 4 shifts in ACU every 6 weeks. She also told me they wouldnt put my old job up right away, but the job was posted within a week of me accepting the position. After 9 shifts, 8 of those being orientation in 2 months I decided this acu job was not for me. On top of that the hospital had just hired a new nurse/ clerk. My manager ( different from acu dept) said I could probably return to my old job. Unfortunately after speaking with other managers she told me I would have to wait for a new job posting. She did tell me she wanted to see what the chief nursing officer would say first. Although the chief nursing officer is off sick. I went to my Union rep. The union rep stated that I had passed my 30 days. I felt that I should had a meeting at 30 days to see where I stood, although Union states its my responsibility to have said something and not managements responsibility. I'm not sure if I can grieve this. I'm not sure where I stand and what I should do from here. Can I win? Can anyone help me.

[Felder]

Have you taken a look at your Union contract? In that contract does it specifically outline that you are entitled to your previous position for xyz about of days? If not this one might be tough to fight - as hear say does not help you. In the same regard; you are a Union paying member so you are entitled to more of a representation than just being told you are SOL...

[qnmimi]

I would agree with Felder. If your contract explains you have a 30 day window to change your mind, and if you passed that, you will be SOL for sure. Again, contact your union rep, get out your contract book, and learn what your rights are. Not knowing your contract is to your detriment. In the meantime, scour the job postings, and apply to open positions.

[TriciaJ, RN]

Your union rep can only enforce the contract, not rescue you from any mistakes. I used to get calls from people who had shot themselves in the foot and then wanted the union to save them. I felt bad having to tell them they were sol.

OP, you may not be able to change your situation at this point. You might have to live and learn and make the best of it. But do familiarize yourself with your contract. It might be one of the best things you do in your career. I'm hoping this all works out for the best for you. Good luck.

[nurseactivist]

I am going to echo the review your contract. One important item that we really pushed for was re-assignment language. The language gave nurses working at the facility preference over a new hire if a position opens up.

If you don't have any language like that, you might want to advocate for it, particulary, prior to your next contract negotiations.

I hope it gets better for you. SOL isn't that helpful of a response, but if you are limited by your contract language, you are kind of stuck.