New grad looking for a job, but wants a vacation

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Hello Everyone,

I recently finished a second degree BSN program and reside in the Boston area! I am waiting to schedule a date to take the NCLEX exam. As a new grad I am very anxious about finding a job so I have begun looking at available opportunities for employment. Seeing that I completed the program with honors while maintaining a long distance relationship, a family member has been so generous as to offer buying me a ticket to visit abroad (where my boyfriend currently lives). I was really excited but after speaking with my boyfriend it looks as though April would be the best time to visit and we are looking at me staying for a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 4 weeks. However, I am really scared that I will not get hired or find a job if I decide to take this vacation opportunity because it would infringe on training (and I would have to be honest during the interview that I have plans). I'm very torn. On the one hand I've never traveled in my previous college years and really want to go. On the other hand, I want to build a nursing career and really don't want this trip to jeopardize that. I know this may be a stupid question, but has anyone ever been in a similar situation? Does anyone have any suggestions, advice, or know if going on this trip will really effect my chances of getting employed? I've tried to talk to some other people about it, but not many of my friends/family work in the medical field and really don't know or have answers. I'm sorry if this seems to be a very mundane issue, but I really do appreciate any advice or thoughts!

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I had planned two separate one week vacations within a couple months of being hired at my job and mentioned it to them right when I got the offer. I wouldn't mention vacation plans during a first interview, but if you get a good sense about a job I would mention it when you get an offer and the ball is in your court. I would just be very clear that you really want the job, are serious about the commitment, but that this trip is also very important. I think that once they offer you the job (and have narrowed down the candidates) they will be more willing to be flexible with your request since they've decided that they like you. Good luck!

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.

I don't know if I agree with the PP. A one week vacation maybe but up to 4 weeks?!! I highly doubt that is going to be looked upon favorably. The flip side is with the current market you might not even find a job before April.

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Specializes in PACU.
I don't know if I agree with the PP. A one week vacation maybe but up to 4 weeks?!! I highly doubt that is going to be looked upon favorably. The flip side is with the current market you might not even find a job before April.

I'm agreeing with this. One week, maybe, but nothing more. However, the new grad market is so congested in Boston that you may not even have a job by April, to look on the bright side.

Very few HR and nursing managers are going be favorable at planning around such a long vacation, when they have nurses ready to start right now, with no vacations. Just a dose of reality.

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Specializes in Pedi.

I live and work in Boston and there isn't a hospital in town that will allow 4 weeks of vacation at a time and certainly not for a new employee. Every hospital that I'm aware of uses a PTO system- you accrue time as you work and the time isn't considered earned until after a 90 day probationary period- longer in some hospitals. Seeing that you haven't even scheduled to take NCLEX yet or started interviewing, I highly doubt that you will have the available time to take such a long vacation so early into your job. In the best of situations as a new hire, you could expect to earn about 8 hours every other week, meaning it would take you 10 pay periods or 20 weeks to accrue enough PTO for a 2 week vacation. Also, I wouldn't be surprised if all new grad jobs for December grads in Boston are already gone- people around here usually secure jobs before graduation.

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I am also a new grad, waiting to take NClex. Honestly? I would go for the trip! A job will always be here but that is an experience you may not get another chance at. Study for NCLEX , plan your trip and go! Then come back ready to work.

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.
I am also a new grad, waiting to take NClex. Honestly? I would go for the trip! A job will always be here but that is an experience you may not get another chance at. Study for NCLEX , plan your trip and go! Then come back ready to work.

Tell that to the hundreds and hundreds of new grads who can't find a job.

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Maybe the boyfriend can come and visit you.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
I had planned two separate one week vacations within a couple months of being hired at my job and mentioned it to them right when I got the offer. I wouldn't mention vacation plans during a first interview, but if you get a good sense about a job I would mention it when you get an offer and the ball is in your court. I would just be very clear that you really want the job, are serious about the commitment, but that this trip is also very important. I think that once they offer you the job (and have narrowed down the candidates) they will be more willing to be flexible with your request since they've decided that they like you. Good luck!

This plan would never work at any facility at which I've worked.

OP, you have a choice to make. Trip or job? If you can afford to live without income, I think I'd go for the once in a lifetime trip. Take the NCLEX before you go.

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Specializes in L&D.

Why can't you go on the trip now?

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Your boyfriend lives in another country..you live here...there are a LOT of variables that can and are going to come into play with this relationship....April is 4 months from now... no employer is going to agree to that kind of time off....seems it would be better to just not look for a job until you return if the vacation is your priority. I think too, you have some decisions to make re: the relationship..once you start working you are not going to be able to take off this kind of time to go visit him for weeks on end. Employers are going to expect mature, reliable employees that have completed schooling and are ready to commit to their organization and are not going to care if you are in a long distance relationship or not. I know that sounds harsh but that's the way of the working adult world in healthcare.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
I am also a new grad, waiting to take NClex. Honestly? I would go for the trip! A job will always be here but that is an experience you may not get another chance at. Study for NCLEX , plan your trip and go! Then come back ready to work.

I would argue that you have the rest of your life to travel, but if you cannot land your first job, you won't even have money to pay your bills, let alone travel. Also, "travel abroad" will always be there, but you only have a short time to get that first job and then you're stale and they're looking at the newest group of new grads.

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