I'm #42 out of 55 nurses to choose my vacation week. We rent a condo in the outer banks; we share it with my sister-in-law and her family. Reservations have to be in now and so they are made.
But my vacation week has been filled by nurses with more seniority than I have (no more than 3 nurses can be off on any given week). So reservations are made and I'm not going to be able to go with my family. I'm just devastated. I've been at this hospital 2 years.
Even if I got one of the three nurses that are scheduled for "my" week, I still stand a huge chance at losing at as we are only on the first group of 10 to choose. I got a way to go yet before I can choose my week.
I just needed to vent. I'm so sad. My unit is very non-schedule friendly. *sigh* Times like this makes you wonder if nursing is worth it. (You don't even want to know what my Christmas week schedule looks like!!!)
I hope when you do have your vacation it's fantastic. I don't think you or your family would've been happy w/o you there. You employer sounds severe w/ those weekend make ups. I know they have to cover the unit, but it does sound a bit harsh. I am 100% behind covering the unit, but if they want people to stick around, they should realize that there's a shortage and be more creative. I am so glad you are going to be w/ the kids for vacation and not compromise your good record.
It's not as simple as "missing one vacation," at least to me. My daughters (triplets) are 16 years old. I've got maybe one more vacation with them, after this one? It's also a lot of money to spend and not be able to go as a family. And it did have to be scheduled now; otherwise--obviously--I would have waited until it was my turn to pick.
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And the week before Christmas for me? MON 7a-7p; TUE 11p-7a; THU 7a-7p; FRI 11p-7a. That's switching between days and nights TWICE in five days. One day "off" in between (and that's not really a day off; I'd normally be sleeping but I can't because I have to go to work the next morning). That's just not right and it's part of why I'm so frustrated about vacation too. I'm just really really frustrated (as you can tell) about their inflexibility regarding scheduling--only the employees are supposed to be flexible, not the employer.
It sounds like you have no choice to get what you want you may as well quit, take on a casual position so you can be as flexible as you want with your working time and time off. Seniority is the way vacation time is attended to, that is universal and a fact you have to accept. You either stick it out and become senior staff over time or you take control and do casual where you can self-schedule.
As for your Christmas schedule?! That is nuts - I'd be checking that with the Union.
RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN
8,498 Posts
Just want to wish you the best of luck and enjoy your vacation.