Job offer received, how to approach topic of previous arrangements?

[nomerz90]

Hi everyone,

I am a bridesmaid in two weddings this summer (June and July). About a week ago I received my official offer letter, I want to notify my nurse manager as soon as possible regarding specific dates. I just finalized all the dates for the bridal parties and bachelorette parties. I wanted to make sure I had all the dates in order before telling her.

I am fresh out of nursing school, this is my first nursing job and I could use advice on how to approach asking for specific weekend dates off. I am starting a graduate nurse residency program in Oncology and obviously very excited to start, but do not know how to approach this situation. The orientation is 6 months. I am obviously prepared to not be able to attend bachelorette parties, if request is denied, as this job is very important to me and I know the brides would understand.

Would emailing the nurse manager dates or speaking to her in person be better with the dates listed? I have read in a few threads, that it is easier to get these requests approved during orientation, is his true? I would appreciate any advice from any nurses that have had to deal with previous arrangements after job offer is received.

Thank you!

[Kalypso22]

Hi!

I have asked for specific time off a couple times while starting a new job. If it is something you cannot miss and will be a significant amount if time or the time off is during a popular time, i recommend stating this when HR calls you with the offer. This way you can get it in writing before you start and there's no problem. I did this for my wedding/honeymoon.

Now I know you said that you already have the offer letter so yes I would contact the manager as soon as you can. I don't know when you'd be physically at the facility but emailing/calling would be better than waiting a few weeks to actually start. Typically it is easier to get time off while on orientation because you don't officially "count" in the staffing numbers. That said the sooner you make arrangements the better.

Good Luck!

[caliotter3]

I would speak to her in person. Emails are easy to lose track of, but she is more likely to respond in a positive manner if you approach her face to face.

[kjb_lpn]

I would absolutely speak to her in person, handing her the specific dates in writing, and say that these dates were just finalized and you want to give as much notice as possible and explain the situation. Also take a picture of the dates yourself and make a note of the date you spoke to your manager.

[Steffy44]

Just be honest and open with the manager. They generally understand plans in life were made prior to the job. I had the same issue with my son graduating high school. I was not going to miss it. I was hired in March and asked immediately. My boss said I would be on orientation at that time and we'd work around it. Communication early was the key.