When should I ask my nurse manager this?

[The0Walrus, BSN, RN]

I am a month into working at this unit I'm not all that crazy about. I figured it would get my foot in the door. I spoke to the nurse manager in the ICU and she said she wouldn't mind letting me shadow a nurse and maybe do a few shifts here and there. She then said I have to stay in my Dept for 6 months after that she wouldn't mind transferring me to the overnight since that's all she's got available. She then said "Tell John I said it's okay with me to shadow a nurse here for a day in the ICU." Then gave me her card and said either way I have 6 months that I have to stay before I transfer and that she would see me. When should I ask my manager if I can go shadow a nurse in the ICU?

One girl said "Don't ever tell your manager. Wait for the 6 months and then make the transfer." I am at crossroads right now with this. Thanks!

[FurBabyMom, MSN, RN]

This could go either way. I can see, as a manager, why having staff for 6 months then losing them would suck. On the other, I value honesty and transparency. I think your manager probably knows that people *want* to transfer to the ICU from the floor. Internal turbulence is not generally a surprise - staff leave less desirable positions for more desirable positions.

The part I'm stuck with is thinking that *because 6 months is the minimum you are required to stay that that is all you should stay*. You're not worth anything as a nurse to a unit until after 6-12 months when you're independent and possibly able to start precepting. Two years is a better commitment - you're able to help train your replacement by then. Sorry, from a manager/admin perspective, it's true. Orientation is a huge financial burden and nurses only staying the minimum required time is frustrating to the bottom line. It's also incredibly inconsiderate to the people precepting and orienting you. Working short staffed is no fun.

Also - consider what you may not appreciate when you shadow in the ICU. And why the ICU nurse manager is ok with a floor nurse with only 6 months of experience going to straight nights? I'm guessing the grass may not be greener...

[TriciaJ, RN]

Define "not all that crazy about". What expectations is your current unit not meeting and what do you hope will be different in the ICU?

I agree with FurBabyMom that 2 years is a better timeline for a few reasons: 1. You will not have wasted your unit's orientation time and money 2. You will have enough beginning nursing experience to actually have something to offer a new unit 3. You might find yourself actually liking the unit you're on, versus jumping out of the frying pan and finding yourself in the fire.

So just how bad is the unit you're on? Do you absolutely dread going to work every day or just think you deserve to be happier?

[Nurse3721y, BSN]

I think your best bet is to be upfront and honest. Remember, you're human, your manager is human, and the people we care for are human. We all have priorities, preferences, and even dreams. Why hide your aspirations from your superior? They may actually appreciate the heads up!

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

I have a little experience with this. I started on a med surg unit, but I really liked working there- which may be different. A little over six months in, I happened to run into the manager of the ICU who encouraged me to apply and transfer down there. It's worked out okay, but as it turns out they were so eager to accept someone with six months acute care experience (and five years long term care), because there is NO experienced staff on nights. Now here I am, charge every shift, with mostly staff with six months or less experience. It's anxiety provoking at times. Be sure of the situation you're stepping into before you make any moves.

And to be honest, I wouldn't say anything one month into a new job. You're not even independent on your floor yet, are you? That's basically saying to your manager that you only used them to get somewhere else, which seems pretty bad. Your coworkers will also hear about it and they're not likely to be thrilled either. Do your current job well, and see where you are at six months, then see what makes sense. Good luck.

[The0Walrus, BSN, RN]

8 hours ago, Nurse3721y said:

I think your best bet is to be upfront and honest. Remember, you're human, your manager is human, and the people we care for are human. We all have priorities, preferences, and even dreams. Why hide your aspirations from your superior? They may actually appreciate the heads up!

You're absolutely right. What I'm planning to do is ask if I can shadow a nurse in the ICU maybe in 2-3 months on one of my days off so it doesn't interfere with my work with my boss. I asked around and was told if I'm able to switch to the ICU I can ask to take extra shifts in the unit I'm in now so if he needs extra nurses I'm able to take a shift and help.

7 hours ago, JBMmom said:

I have a little experience with this. I started on a med surg unit, but I really liked working there- which may be different. A little over six months in, I happened to run into the manager of the ICU who encouraged me to apply and transfer down there. It's worked out okay, but as it turns out they were so eager to accept someone with six months acute care experience (and five years long term care), because there is NO experienced staff on nights. Now here I am, charge every shift, with mostly staff with six months or less experience. It's anxiety provoking at times. Be sure of the situation you're stepping into before you make any moves.

And to be honest, I wouldn't say anything one month into a new job. You're not even independent on your floor yet, are you? That's basically saying to your manager that you only used them to get somewhere else, which seems pretty bad. Your coworkers will also hear about it and they're not likely to be thrilled either. Do your current job well, and see where you are at six months, then see what makes sense. Good luck.

Thanks for the advice. ?