Casual RN: How much time can I take off?

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Hi all,

I'm a casual RN in Vancouver, Canada. I typically work full time hours, 36-48 hours a week. I have been searching CRNBC's website regarding how much time I can take off next year. My ideal situation is to take 6 months off and travel eastern Africa with my husband. Worst case scenario, I will quit and find a job when I get home. However, is there any way I can get around this since I am casual? I read something along the lines of you must work 250 hours a year to keep a casual position and that if you don't pick up a shift once in 6 months you will need to have a meeting to discuss this. I am wondering if there are any fellow travellers out there that know the ins and outs of going abroad and keeping your position. Any and all advice is appreciated!!

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Are you a permanent casual with a line in the float pool or a casual? There is a difference. The only person who can answer your question is someone in your HR office.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Why not just ask your employer this question? they will tell you how much time you can take off.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Some facilities will mandate that you need to pick up at least one shift every three months. Depends on your employer.

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I'm a causal RN in Vancouver and just got back from three months of backpacking in Asia. My employer didn't mind at all! I work full-time equivalent hours the rest of the year though. From my knowledge you must work 112 hrs per year and it doesn't matter when your shifts are.

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According to BCNU an employer may require a casual employee to work a minimum of 225 hours over a 12 month period. If you have not been offered up to 225 hours in that period then you do not need to meet that requirement. If you work less than 112.5 hours over 6 months in all casual registries in the authority then the employer may send a letter of your total hours you have worked and basically advice you that if you don't or can't work 225 hours in 12 months you need to provide a bona fide reason for not doing so, then they can remove you from the casual list.

Like another poster mentioned, ask first because your manager and HR may not follow this rule so strictly. Even describing your situation and giving advance notice might be appreciated. It may not be a problem especially since you've been working an equivalent of full time hours. But to be certain ask your employer, speak to your supervisor/manager/HR

Sounds like it would be an awesome trip!

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