How would a nurse mgr view this situation in interview?

Whispera, MSN, RN · Jul 29, 2009

a few things....

There's no need to bring up need for a particular vacation time in your interview. Wait until after you're hired and then talk to the manager about it. Most employers understand prior commitments. It seems either irrelevant to bring up in the interview or something that shouldn't be your first concern as you're trying to get a job. The interview is to show why you should be hired.

It's pretty likely you'll accrue vacation time as you work. Every place I've worked, I've gotten a few hours per pay period set aside, and I was able to take those hours after a probationary period (often 90 days). You might be able to take the vacation with such hours. Or without pay, as you mentioned.

Wait until you're hired though, to bring it up.

EymieICURN · Jul 29, 2009

Good Luck in your interview!!!

Are your sure you will not be able to take time off for a whole year? In all the jobs I've had you start accumulating time off as soon as you start working, but you can't use it until you have been with them for 90 Days. I would ask HR about their policy. Depending on how many shifts you work per week you may be able to work your days for that week early and go on vacation and work the last days of the following week. I used to do this a lot! Work 3-12 hour shifts Sun, Mon, Tue-take 8 days off and come back and work Thu, Fri, and Sat.

Good Luck

Katnip, RN · Jul 29, 2009

Actually, it is ok to bring it up during the interview and if they agree, ask for it in writing. Once you're hired, depending on how they schedule vacations you may not get that time period you want.

It's very common practice to say I can start on such and such a date, but I already have made vacation plans and will need that time off.

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 29, 2009

The interview is not the time to discuss it. It just gives them another reason not to hire you.

However, it's OK to bring it up after you have been given a firm offer for the job -- but before you accept. Ask them about their policies and whether or not it would be possible to arrange to accompany your family on this long-planned trip in July of 2010. Don't get too specific, say that you want the time off without pay, etc. Just ask what the possibilities are. Be sure to appear to seeking information rather than making demands.

Where I work, you can used you paid vacation time after only 3 months. However, there are restrictions as to how many people can take vacation at the same time. So, a popular vacation week (like in July) might be very hard to get because you may be competing against people with more seniority than you to get that particular week off. You might have to make some pretty seious trade-offs to get the particular days you want if they are the same days off that a lot of other people want. Let your employer know that you would be willing to make those trade-offs in order to be able to accompany your family.

If they say they can't promise anything ... and you really want the job ... I would take the gamble and take the job. In this economy and job market, I would not be turning down a good job that I wanted because MAYBE I might not get the vacation time I want. You talk about how you need to work with the schedule of the other members of your family. Maybe this time, they will need to work with YOUR schedule ... or you will have to be there for only part of the time the rest of the family is there, etc. Once you are working (anywhere) as a full time staff nurse, you will have to make some compromises and sacrifices with regards to your family wants and your job requirements. I hope this is not one of them ... but it might be.

But if you let them know you are willing to work some unpopular shifts in exchange for the vacation, they might be willing to make that deal. I've done it in the past, but the job market is not as favorable for job seekers today as it has been in recent years. So, you want to get that firm offer in hand before asking for any special consideration.

systoly · Jul 29, 2009

I wouldn't say anything about it right now. Get the job, work hard as you have been, make them see you as a valuable asset, then a few month before the planned vacation, put in your request with all the concessions you are willing to make, and, if your request is rejected, then you can resign at that time. Chances are the economy will be in better shape by that time.

patrice meursault · Jul 29, 2009

I also would not bring it up. I also wouldn't mention the fact that you plan to move in a few years anyway, as it costs a hospital soooo much to orient a new hire, and a new grad at that. If they know you are planning to leave soon, I would not hire you.

Not to sound insensative, but would the world stop if you did not go to this place for just one year???? Your first job out of school is very important. You need to build a strong foundation. AT this point I would put my career first.

Also to remember, if you are doing 12 hour shifts, you can arrange your schedule to get a few more days off without having to take a vacation day.

Good luck.

Kitty Hawk, ADN, RN · Jul 29, 2009

Thanks for the diverisity in opinions.

No, I would never mention my long range plans are to move. I mentioned that to give a frame of reference that this place is in all honesty a bit more important that just a vacation from the usual.

It's funny b/c I've watched in horror of how my "younger" classmates (not all) would treat the instructors and their high expectations of what they want on the job. I would never dream of making such ludicrous demands. But I see that they and the companies are catering to them b/c it's the millenia generation so we need to bend to them or they will cut bait and move on.

I've always come from an honest viewpoint as I don't like to screw with my employers, that said many employers will screw those that serve them w/o a backward glance. I watched it in my previous profession. I thought an employer might appreciate total honesty and disclosure up front. I see a hospital is still a corporation which is why I don't see myself in one longer than necessary to acquire certain skills and knew that from observation. I am going into this b/c I have genuine compassion to help it's not about a paycheck. It's a shame hospitals are more profit and paperwork than caring.

So although no, my world wouldn't stop if I didn't get there next year. As mentioned I missed 2 years b/c of school, one of which was planned with my mom who now is no longer here and I feel much regret that school took that much precedence necessary as it was. I have in the past gone 8 years without a vacation and now that I can I won't miss any more of my son growing up and the bonding and memories that this place provides. And we are nearing the end of when he's still going to want to "come with mom and dad"

Thanks again for your honest input.

I see I basically need to keep my cards close to my chest and and divulge later, being prepared to walk.

JJGRN · Jul 29, 2009

As a manager, I have often had applicants tell me about upcoming plans for vacations or needed time off for whatever reason, and I have never used that as a basis for not hiring anyone. I also ask the question if there are any obligations the applicant has that I need to consider for scheduling reasons... if the person is taking a class or has upcoming appointments, I prefer to know ahead of time so that I can schedule orientation around these days if they are selected for the job.

That being said, since your vacation is almost a year away, it is not necessary for you to mention it in an interview, especially if you think that it may impact your chances of being hired.

SCgirl22 · Jul 29, 2009

I just accepted a new job and I had a similar situation. I committed a year ago to be in a friend's wedding which is about 2 months from now. I did not mention it in the interview.

Post offer, and after reviewing their PTO/vacation policies, I let HR and the manager know that I want the job but had a prior personal obligation and would be willing to take the two days I need off without pay. They were very reasonable and appreciative that I let them know in advance for scheduling purposes.

I would definitely wait until you have an offer before bringing this up. Also be sure to read your facility's policies on paid time off. It may prove to be a non-issue. And, as others have mentioned, if you will be working 12s it is pretty easy to schedule vacation time without even using PTO. I have managed a 5 day vacation without even missing a shift at my current job. My facility doesn't allow it, but I also have known nurses to work 6 12s in one week and then have a whole week off afterward. It just depends.

Good luck with your interview and career as a new nurse! I'm sure you will need that vacation after the first few months or so. Life as a new grad is stressful! :)

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Jul 29, 2009

Depends on how much competition there is for the job.......I would not bring it up now. Wait till they love you later!

ICAN! · Jul 29, 2009

The interview is not the time to discuss it. It just gives them another reason not to hire you.
However, it's OK to bring it up after you have been given a firm offer for the job -- but before you accept. Ask them about their policies and whether or not it would be possible to arrange to accompany your family on this long-planned trip in July of 2010. Don't get too specific, say that you want the time off without pay, etc. Just ask what the possibilities are. Be sure to appear to seeking information rather than making demands.
Where I work, you can used you paid vacation time after only 3 months. However, there are restrictions as to how many people can take vacation at the same time. So, a popular vacation week (like in July) might be very hard to get because you may be competing against people with more seniority than you to get that particular week off. You might have to make some pretty seious trade-offs to get the particular days you want if they are the same days off that a lot of other people want. Let your employer know that you would be willing to make those trade-offs in order to be able to accompany your family.
If they say they can't promise anything ... and you really want the job ... I would take the gamble and take the job. In this economy and job market, I would not be turning down a good job that I wanted because MAYBE I might not get the vacation time I want. You talk about how you need to work with the schedule of the other members of your family. Maybe this time, they will need to work with YOUR schedule ... or you will have to be there for only part of the time the rest of the family is there, etc. Once you are working (anywhere) as a full time staff nurse, you will have to make some compromises and sacrifices with regards to your family wants and your job requirements. I hope this is not one of them ... but it might be.
But if you let them know you are willing to work some unpopular shifts in exchange for the vacation, they might be willing to make that deal. I've done it in the past, but the job market is not as favorable for job seekers today as it has been in recent years. So, you want to get that firm offer in hand before asking for any special consideration.

Great advice, I totally agree with this. I have brought up a planned vacation AFTER I have been offered the position and it has worked out great.