New grad orientation issue!

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2010

Honestly, I would call them ASAP(like MONDAY) and explain that you have a family issue that day, and hope that you can reschedule the class for the following week or next time....orientation is important, and EVERY class matters. When you have a job, it is your job! You should be feeling lucky to have one.....I would reschedule the flight for after work, and get there later on Friday.....work is important!

southernbelle08 · Apr 18, 2010

I would definitely ask!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Apr 18, 2010

True: the worst they can tell you is No.

While I'm not telling you to skip the weddding, consider that there's not a lot of opportunities for new grads and you were fortunate enough to get one, so seriously think about what you're going to do. If they can't reschedule your day, I agree with locolorenzo: try to reschedule yours. Get a flight out later that day or early the next morning...which may be easier than you think--flights on Saturdays are often easier to book as well as cheaper than those on Fridays.

itsmejuli · Apr 18, 2010

I clearly was foolish in not mentioning this during the interview but didn't want to ruin any chances of not getting hired.
Would it be terrible if I were to call HR and ask if there was a way to reschedule this one day?

I realize its too late now, but you should have mentioned this at your interview. Unless you are the only new hire, I highly doubt they will reschedule one day just for you.

If I were in your shoes I'd be canceling plans to attend a wedding during orientation.

StayLost, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2010

In my orientation, people were asking if they could take certain days off for various reasons (ie their Dad is having surgery) and they said no for the most part. But, just like on of the last posters said, I guess it doesn't hurt to ask.

NoviceRN10 · Apr 18, 2010

Maybe you can be put in the next group for orientation (as in delay your hire date)? I doubt you will be able to make up the day you miss, but you should ask first thing Monday morning what your options are.

JenRN30, BSN · Apr 19, 2010

Our hospital only does RN orientation once per month, and you cannot work without having it the first week. Someone had to miss it for one reason or another, and they had to wait a whole month to start. But, your hospital may be different. Ask and see...

Phlavyah · Apr 19, 2010

ask, but be ready to reschedule your flight. Make sure you take a step back and think about the situation using the "5 year rule"

ask yourself: will it matter 5 years from now if you got to the wedding on time or if you got the job? Only you can answer that question....

Jules A, MSN · Apr 20, 2010

I wouldn't.

goodstudentnowRN · Apr 26, 2010

I wouldn't...I am a new RN and can't even get a job...there are many out there to replace you..be careful!

charr-RN · May 25, 2010

Just my side.

When I was applying for job last year,the HR already made a line up of my orientation schedule.During that time, I am already aware of my husband's schedule for surgery, so I asked if I can have a time off for that certain day.She said fine.The next day, I reported to my clinical manager,as scheduled, but only to be told, the director just called her this morning, they're not going to hire me.I was shocked, and asked why? The manager only told me that, they were expecting me to be around the other day for orientation. Although I explained my side, she cannot do anything.

The fact that I asked permission from the HR lady who oriented me, if it's okay for me to be absent that day, makes me cried.

The lesson now that I realized,if we need the job, they don't care what personal or family matter you will reason to them.

The next time I will be applying for job, I would'nt ask anymore any personal/family matter time off.This will mean, losing the prospective job.

But my husband insisted,it's not a good place to work with if they have that kind of treatment.

What do you think? although, my husband has the point.