How many nurses have taken vacation time during their first year?

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I was just wondering, how many of you have taken vacation time after working less than a year? I'm wondering because I've been working at the place I'm at now since late October and really want to take a short vacation sometime this summer. I checked my vacation hours and see I have almost 40 hours accumulated as of January. I work 12 hour shifts three days a week, so if I just take one day of vacation and arrange my work schedule well, I'll be able to go on a trip and come back with enough days to rest before going back to work. I just don't know if I should do it yet since I'm still so new. Have any of you taken vacation time after working only a few months?

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

I've taken vacation during the summer every year whether starting a new job or not. There's never been a problem. You've earned it. Take it, enjoy it.

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Specializes in Case Managemnt, Utilization Review.

You have time and are entitled to it. When I started a new job 15 years ago, I took off a month for my wedding and honeymoon, I was only there a few months. When you get back you will feel refreshed. My husband is a nurse and they are putting vacation requests in the book next week for the summer.

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Thanks! I'm just wondering because I have not gone through my competency evaluation to become a CN2 yet. I just don't know if it's ok to request vacation before my competency evaluation or to wait until after (which is probably not until April).

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Specializes in CCU/ Tele.

Take your vacation! If you have PTOs you are entitled to them! You don't want to get burnt out. Sometimes I even arrange my schedule so that I can have mini vacations every month and I just work 3 12 hour shifts on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of the first week and than 3 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the next. Instant week vacation....sometimes you need a mental break just to keep sane.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I have not yet used my PTO (paid time off) because I work the Baylor Plan, which involves having Monday through Friday off, then getting paid for 40 hours to work two 16 hour double shifts on Saturdays and Sundays only. Since I already receive 5 days off per week by default, the need to take vacation has not yet occurred.

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Specializes in ICU.

If you have the vacation hours available, and want to take a vacation, go for it! You need to take care of yourself and enjoy your life. You won't forget what you have already learned if you are away for a week or two.

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put in for vacation some facilities will give time off depending on the date requested and some will go by seniority [if there is a conflict]

if the facility gives you a certain # of hours per month then they will give you time off if you gain say two weeks after a year then you have to wait

the waiting for vacation after a year is not as customary as it once was

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I started my job last August and I put in my request for vacation 2 months ago and it was approved the next week. Most all the nurses on our floor are already scheduled for the summer. If you have time built up or will have it built up by summer, you should take it. I only work 2 days per week and I arranged it on my weekend off and ended up only having to use up 2 vacation days for 10 days off! I can't wait!!

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I started in June and as of December had 2 weeks vacation time I could access, I took one week last week and another week this week! I submitted for a week in August coming up too. (By then I Will have at least 2 weeks again, if not more. I accrue 4weeks/year)

You have the vaca time, and its available for you to use...so use it!!

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