Dilemma please help!

[NotrialNodeal]

I'm interested to hear what others would do in my situation.

I currently work for my local NHS hospital and I'm due to start a new permanent role in another department (let's call it Ward A) on Monday. I accepted the job because it was offered to me first, and at the time I had no idea whether I'd be successful for this other internal role, within Ward B. Yesterday, I had an interview for the Ward B position and I was offered the job.

After thinking it through, I'm certain Ward B is the role I'd rather do and I genuinely believe it's the better long-term fit for me.
The problem is that I now feel incredibly guilty. The Ward A has recruited me, planned for me to start, and I hate the idea of letting them down by leaving so soon after starting. I spoke to someone today who thinks I should stay in Ward A because otherwise I'm letting the team down, and that's made me question myself even though my heart is telling me Ward B is the right move.
Both jobs are within the same NHS trust, so I'm not leaving the organisation altogether – it's an internal move.
If you were in my position, would you stay in Ward A out of loyalty, or would you move to the job you genuinely believe is the better fit for your career? Have any of you been in a similar situation, either as an employee or as a manager?

B

Sorry but I'd do what is right for YOU long term.

B but I’d feel guilty too! You have to do what’s right for you.

Also dreading working in Ward A rocking up and resigning almost at the same time and having to see through my resignation period there. I expect to feel very awkward!

Thanks for the responses so far. I was thrown by this person's comments today and it made me feel worse as I feel certain on Ward B but guilty nonetheless.

No-one is indispensable. Ward A will find someone else. You cannot have loyalty to as team you have nor even joined yet.

Did Ward B know your situation at interview?

Absolutely. In x amount of time Ward A will replace me and never think of me again. If I stayed in Ward A I would regret that choice and wish I had had the nerve to go to Ward B.

Yes I explained the situation to Ward B.

Ward B - do what’s right for you. They may be able to recruit from the same candidate pooL if it wasn’t that long ago.

Feel reassured so thanks for responding. Do feel guilty still but I think that's just cause I care! Also filled with anxiety about having to go in and start and leave pretty much all at once but know for certain long term it is the right thing for me to do! Wish me luck!

I’d tell Ward A straight away and ask whether they’d like you to work out the notice period or rather you don’t start working there at all to save them time on training you etc. That would show you’re thought of them

The internal checks can be long though so I thought I would check with HR whether these will need to be repeated. If not I will definitely tell them immediately. There won't be training as such as I am already trained in the role. But I appreciate what you are saying. Thank you.

Are you clinical ? What’s the difference between the two wards ?

I would answer this if it wasn't completely outing!

Ward B
You will be replaced ASAP in ward A.
You are a tiny cog in the NHS so what's right for you.
😊