paid vacation - how can i pass this up? Advice please?

[lannisz]

I need advice folks since I tend to feel guilty really easily. Here's my dilemma: I'm afraid to ask for three weeks off from my job. We keep hearing how short staffed we are and nobody can take any time off because there have already been too many requests for time off this summer. Well, I've just been offered the chance to "work" for three weeks in August at a very exclusive resort as one of their 4 clinic nurses. My best friend, also an RN has worked there several summers now and loves it. She said we are basically there as token nurses for insurance purposes....we might treat a few bug bites, ice a sprain and do paperwork. When we aren't doing that, we can swim, hike, ride horses....basically a paid vacation. The director there offered me twice my weekly salary here at home, will pay my airfare and license, also private (ritzy!) accommodations room and board. At the end of my stay, I will be paid a tax free bonus (not sure how much). I am actually afraid to ask my boss for the time off next month! I really want to take this opportunity ....any suggestions, advice? Am I being selfish to my coworkers and disloyal to my employer? Please help me think this through - how should I approach my boss?

[Guest717236]

By the way, one of you mentioned Canyon Ranch? I looked up the canyon ranch web site and they ARE currently looking for a full time nurse educator if any of you guys are interested... it's in Arizona. Looks geeorgeous!

There's a beautiful Canyon Ranch in Lenox Massachusetts too!

Maybe you could do summers in Ma and winters in Arizona

Good luck with your leave request!

[twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN]

You didnt say exactly where this place was, and who the contact person was either.. Please, do elaborate.

Exactly what I was going to ask lol!!! Please do tell:balloons:

[Jolie, BSN]

Based on the additional information you have provided, it seems reasonable to try to get the time off.

You mention requesting your 3 weeks unpaid. I can understand the reason for that, as you will be paid by the resort, but your institution may not be willing to go along with unpaid time, especially if you receive benefits from them. Other than Family and Medical Leave, most employers won't allow an employee extended unpaid time off, partly because of their cost of contining your benefits during your absence. Also, if you take the time unpaid, then you will still need to take another 3 weeks of vacation time, which may stretch staffing too thin, and create problems among staff members who object to your taking "extra" vacation time.

As for the bonus, I wonder if it is intended to be a "lump sum" payment to assist you in paying taxes on the value of your room and board. For example, if the value of your room, board and other expenses is $1000, and you are in a 25% tax bracket, they may offer you $250 to help pay your taxes. This $250 check would also be taxed, though.

Good luck to you. Let us know how it goes!

[lannisz]

Gee, I never realized asking for unpaid leave was a bad thing or would cause a problem...that is good to know. I have benefits thru my hubbies employer. Thanks for the info about the bonus.

We will see what happens. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. Truly I care about the people I work with and would never want to create a hardship for them. Another thing I forgot to mention is that 2 of our nurses who have been on maternity leave will return in August. Thank you everyone.