How do you ask for time off in interview?

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Hi All,

Interviewing with DaVita next week for a permanent position. Had never planned on applying for same, only travel positions. So we have a trip booked for early January -- non-refundable. How do I bring this up in an interview? From what I've read the DaVita interview process can be quite lengthy (3-4 interviews). Should I bring this up in the initial interview or wait to see if I advance to later interviews?

Your suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks for your time.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Mentioning this in an interview is not a good idea. If an offer is made, that is the time to bring it up.

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Thanks Jolie.

Can I ask you as well: do you usually get a contract when you take a full time permanent position? Would they write this time off into the contract if they were agreeable?

I've been nursing for six years but have always had a casual position, so I've always chosen when I work . . . this will be an adjustment.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Contracts are rare for bedside nurses. If an offer is made, let the manager know of your travel plans and that deposits are non-refundable. Stress that you realize that any time off will be unpaid, and ask whether this can be accommodated. In most cases, employers will allow this one time for a new hire who does not yet qualify for PTO. If agreed upon verbally, then ask how to "cement" the agreement so that there are no misunderstandings when the actual vacation time rolls around. This is important because a manager might forget, or even change jobs in the interim. Good luck to you.

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