New grad program dilemma

[chimichanga18]

Hello everyone!

This is going to be a long post so please bear with me. I work as a CNA at my hospital and I recently took my NCLEX and applied for their new grad program. Good for me is that I GOT THE JOB!!!! My NCLEX results will be posted December 18th (according to the BRN) and the new job start date is December 21st

HOWEVER,

My dilemma is this... I haven't seen my father and my grandmother in nearly 10 years. They live in China. My mom, sister, and I have finally saved up enough money to go visit them for a month in March 2016. A WHOLE MONTH. The problem is, if I am to start this new grad program, I am sure that if I tell them I'm leaving for a month, they will ultimately disqualify me and I will be jobless because as soon as my license posts, I will be unable to continue working there as a CNA.

What should I do? Some people have suggested that I just bite the bullet and be jobless but I can't afford that as I take care of both my mom and sister. Others have said to take the job and then ask for the month of March off due to a "family emergency". I'm not sure about this option as it seems.... unethical...

I would appreciate some advice. :) Thank you nursing community!!!

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

I've never had a problem getting time off for previous commitments when accepting a new job. You probably won't have enough vacation time saved up to take a month off by then (unless you already have the time saved up from your current job, and it can be carried over into the new one), so you wouldn't be getting paid for the time you're gone- but they may allow you this leave of absence since it was already planned before you took the job. Since it's a new grad program, depending on the duration of your training, they may not even be relying on you for schedule coverage by then.

I agree with you about using the "family emergency" excuse being unethical. I don't think it's good practice to start off on the wrong foot by being dishonest. I believe in dealing with others in good faith. If being honest costs you this opportunity, then the sooner you know the better, so you can figure out what to do. And, you'll be able to sleep better at night knowing that you conducted yourself with integrity.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

If it's already been ten years, a little longer shouldn't make too big of a difference. If you're in a tight market, I think you should keep the job. The "family emergency" excuse doesn't seem likely to work, anyway ....especially for such a long length of time.

[nutella, MSN, RN]

I get it - I am an immigrant with not much family in the US.

But think about it a bit.

The longer you wait to get your first nursing job or start the harder it will be to get something. The market for new graduates is rough. The new graduate program will give you the first work experience you need plus hopefully will lead to a position that is long lasting so you can work at least 1 - 2 y with your first job. After that it is much easier to get another position, take time off and so on.

It may be better to just go ahead and do the program plus work for a bit - then review if you can take time off. Not working or stopping after only a few months can change your future path.

I am not saying you should not go but to think about it carefully.

What if you stay and work and let your mother and other family member go?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Just a thought. Hospitals in my part of the country will only hire new grads via their nurse residency programs - and these have very rigid start dates in January & June. If you can't attend, you don't get hired. I hope that's not the case in OP's situation.