GN about to start work and just found out sister may have cancer.

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Looking for advice on the following. I start GN orientation next week and then begin a 6 month unit orientation with a preceptor. I will be working in CCU and although I am excited about this opportunity I am anxious and realize I have a lot to learn.

My sister just found out she has a mass between her pharynx and her spinal cord. We just found out on Monday, so we don't know anything else yet. This is my younger sister she is only 37. Of course my family and I are upset and worried.

My problem is should I tell my NM now, or wait until I know more. I am concerned about being a new employee and all the expectations and evaluations that come along with that and also wanting to be with my sister. I am about 3.5 hours away. I want to be an employee who gives

%150, but I also realize that I may be distracted by her illness.

I have pretty much been without money and health insurance for the last 2 years, so I really don't want to postpone my employment any longer (though that would be easiest). My dilema is should I go to work as if nothing is wrong and come clean when I know more or be up front at the start. I am afraid that if i can't cope with studying for NCLEX, learning new job, and being there for my sister I will give the impression of being a substandard employee. Asking for time off after just starting is of course a big no-no, but wanting to be with the family is so important.

Any suggestions on how to handle this in an professional and responsible manner so my employer is not disappointed? Thanks!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho.

What kind of shifts are you looking at in your new job? 8 hour shifts? 12 hour?

I think that would make the difference. Working 12's you will have a couple days off together during the course of each week where you can go out of town and visit your sister and be with her without it interfereing with your job.

Take your NCLEX books with you and while your sister rests you study.

If you are looking at 8 hour shifts, i dont have any suggestions. Exactly why many nurses choose to work 12 hour shifts(see recent post on 12 hour shifts).

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Specializes in NP, ICU, ED, Pre-op.

I think you should let them know right away. If they are a good employer they will understand. Plus the other poster mentioned that if you worked 12s you might have time off as opposed to 8, while this may be true, my orientation into a tele floor has been 4 weeks of classroom stuff 8hrs per day and then 2 more weeks on the floor working 2 12hrs and 2 8 hrs. What I'm trying to say is don't expect to have your 3 days on 4 days off schedule right away.

Sorry to hear about your sister, I hope it turns out ok. :o

Looking for advice on the following. I start GN orientation next week and then begin a 6 month unit orientation with a preceptor. I will be working in CCU and although I am excited about this opportunity I am anxious and realize I have a lot to learn.

My sister just found out she has a mass between her pharynx and her spinal cord. We just found out on Monday, so we don't know anything else yet. This is my younger sister she is only 37. Of course my family and I are upset and worried.

My problem is should I tell my NM now, or wait until I know more. I am concerned about being a new employee and all the expectations and evaluations that come along with that and also wanting to be with my sister. I am about 3.5 hours away. I want to be an employee who gives

%150, but I also realize that I may be distracted by her illness.

I have pretty much been without money and health insurance for the last 2 years, so I really don't want to postpone my employment any longer (though that would be easiest). My dilema is should I go to work as if nothing is wrong and come clean when I know more or be up front at the start. I am afraid that if i can't cope with studying for NCLEX, learning new job, and being there for my sister I will give the impression of being a substandard employee. Asking for time off after just starting is of course a big no-no, but wanting to be with the family is so important.

Any suggestions on how to handle this in an professional and responsible manner so my employer is not disappointed? Thanks!

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