What is my right to transfer to another unit

[riken25]

Presently I am working as a staff nurse in the medical Center and I worked there for the last 6 years, I wanted to transfer to intensive care unit. In december the manager of ICU was willing to take me, but d't short staffing my manager didn't let me go. I was promised by ADN as soon the position will open and my HN will be OK for me to go they would transfer me. Today, I heard that 5 positions were opened in intensive care units, the ADN asked me "How did you know?"I was OK from my HN to leave my unit. There is no officials posting to apply, there is no longer intertransfer forms to submit (d/t a new rules everything is online HHC hospitals) When I called Nursing reqruitment she told me that the 5 positions were filled with applicant from outside of the Hospital and If they will transfer me my position will be opened. I told to wait for when a new positions will open. However, as I checked There were no positions posted, How could I apply? NR unofficialy is providing with posting numbers to selective applicants. I believe, I do quilify to wor in ICU position. I am upset about it. I believe, I wasn't given opportunity to at list have a chance for an interview. Can you please give me an advise what should I do?

Thank you

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Actually, we cannot give you insight into what appears to be a facility issue. You have to deal with transfers/applications as your facility requires. If you feel that you have been passed over/app ignored, you need to take it up with HR.

[riken25]

Thank you for your comment, I don't understand why we belong to a union when they don't protect the rights of seniority. I believe, the policy is promote from with in, but because the hospital lets staffing level gets so low, they are using this excuse to hire from outside. Where is the opportunity for me personally to advance my nursing carrier?

[mhy12784]

Thank you for your comment, I don't understand why we belong to a union when they don't protect the rights of seniority. I believe, the policy is promote from with in, but because the hospital lets staffing level gets so low, they are using this excuse to hire from outside. Where is the opportunity for me personally to advance my nursing carrier?

Unions arent an end all. Getting a job (or relocated to a different unit) is about networking first and foremost, whether its right or wrong.

I dont know anything about "rights" since nobody is entitled to being able to relocate to a unit that they want. But it does seem incredibly bizarre that an organization would continuously put new grads into a position without first asking its own. Thats usually bad for employee morale and satisfaction. Not to mention is a poor way to improve employee retention.

Your best bet is to just speak with your supervisors and or HR in a sincere and honest fashion, and probably would be wise avoid mentioning anything about being entitled

[riken25]

Thank you, I appreciate your comment, I understand that I am not entitled to anything. Maybe not even a fair chance. I worked for the hospital for six plus years, there was an opening in January and I applied but could not transfer because my unit was short staffing and operating with agency nurses. Now again they have 5 positions opened but they hired from outside, never posted the positions, no full time staff nurse in the hospital could apply, not just me. I want to grow my carrier in nursing in this situation it just boxes me in. I feel no loyalty from my job. This situation does not encourage me to want to stay with this hospital. I feel that in the future I need to move on.

[nynursey_]

Thank you I appreciate your comment, I understand that I am not entitled to anything. Maybe not even a fair chance. I worked for the hospital for six plus years, there was an opening in January and I applied but could not transfer because my unit was short staffing and operating with agency nurses. Now again they have 5 positions opened but they hired from outside, never posted the positions, no full time staff nurse in the hospital could apply, not just me. I want to grow my carrier in nursing in this situation it just boxes me in. I feel no loyalty from my job. This situation does not encourage me to want to stay with this hospital. I feel that in the future I need to move on.[/quote']

I think that's reasonable, especially if its hindering your professional growth.

Nursing is dog-eat-dog and you have to look out for you. If your hospital isn't going to assist you in this process, cut ties and do what's best for your career.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Thank you, I appreciate your comment, I understand that I am not entitled to anything. Maybe not even a fair chance. I worked for the hospital for six plus years, there was an opening in January and I applied but could not transfer because my unit was short staffing and operating with agency nurses. Now again they have 5 positions opened but they hired from outside, never posted the positions, no full time staff nurse in the hospital could apply, not just me. I want to grow my carrier in nursing in this situation it just boxes me in. I feel no loyalty from my job. This situation does not encourage me to want to stay with this hospital. I feel that in the future I need to move on.

What are your Union rules about transfer and outside applicants? What does your contract say? If you are union have you spoken to your rep? Have you filed a grievance?

[FineAgain]

Yes, file a grievance, that is what they are there for. We had a NM though, who would post a job geared to whomever she wanted it to be.

"Must have exactly 6 months, 4 days, 5 hours and 36 minutes experience in ICU; must be a Libra who is fluent in Cantonese".

They hire who they want.

[Lennonninja, MSN, APRN, NP]

I think that's reasonable, especially if its hindering your professional growth.

Nursing is dog-eat-dog and you have to look out for you. If your hospital isn't going to assist you in this process, cut ties and do what's best for your career.

At my old job, I wanted to go from med/surg to ICU and there were numerous openings. My med/surg manager wouldn't allow me to even interview to transfer because we were so short staffed. I left that whole hospital system all together and started at another hospital system's ICU because that's what was the best move for me and my career goals. Neither hospital is a union hospital. I've never been happier!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

the union has no jurisdiction over facility policies. WRITE a complaint to HR.

[KeepItRealRN, BSN, RN]

At my old job, I wanted to go from med/surg to ICU and there were numerous openings. My med/surg manager wouldn't allow me to even interview to transfer because we were so short staffed. I left that whole hospital system all together and started at another hospital system's ICU because that's what was the best move for me and my career goals. Neither hospital is a union hospital. I've never been happier!

Managers who work like that are complete and total idiots. If a nurse has decided it is time to move on then that nurse is going to move on with or without the managers help. To not let someone make an in house transfer because the unit is short is stupid and terribly short sighted. The unit is going to be short one more nurse either way.

It is reasonable for the manager to give a time frame on when you can transfer so as that he/she has time to replace you. Allowing a transfer but making the employee stay another month or two is not unheard of, but not even allowing you to interview is total asshattery.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Don't take this wrong, but you clearly have difficulties in written English, at least as you have posted here. Perhaps there are other things that the managers have noticed about you that makes someone not want to put you in a critical care staff position.

But no, there is no "right" to transfer. The manager gets to pick the staff for the unit.