Pre-planned vacation

Published

I'm a new grad in Chicago and I was really excited to get a job That will start in mid-July. Jobs are extremely hard to come by in Chicago for new grads.

I had already planned a vacation in January for about 9 days.

I also need need my wisdom teeth out ASAP because they are really hurting and giving me crippling headaches.

I'm just nervous about asking because I'm a new grad who hasn't even started yet. I don't want to make a bad impression.

When and how should I ask if I can take these days? I don't care if it's unpaid.

What is the policy at your places of employment?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Every place will have a different policy. You should be upfront with the employer about the vacation in January. Where I work the union contract dictates vacation requests for the winter be in by September 15th and are granted by seniority.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ambulatory Care-Family Medicine.

Be upfront with them about the January vacation. If you can email your manager now to let them know. The wisdom teeth will be a bit harder being short notice. Can you get that done prior to orientation?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Wisdom teeth shouldn't cause you to miss more than a day or two. If you're going to working 12s, you should be able to plan a stretch off and it won't be an issue.

The vacation? Just because you planned it doesn't mean they will grant it. You need to understand that you generally cannot take unpaid time off- as many places require you to put your time in/ use accumulated PTO in order to maintain benefits. Be prepared to NOT take that vacation as a worst case scenario.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

Tell them now so it is easier to put in the request. Some jobs want the request six months in advance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I spent all day preparing myself to get a "no" from them, and I've concluded that this isnt the end of the world.

Good standing at my very first nursing job is worth more than this one missed vacation, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Thank you you for the info about the wisdom teeth. I'm going to try to have them removed asap but I'm happy to know that if I have to get them removed, I won't be impaired on the job after a couple of days of recovery.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
I spent all day preparing myself to get a "no" from them, and I've concluded that this isnt the end of the world.

Good standing at my very first nursing job is worth more than this one missed vacation, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Thank you you for the info about the wisdom teeth. I'm going to try to have them removed asap but I'm happy to know that if I have to get them removed, I won't be impaired on the job after a couple of days of recovery.

Very mature outlook! Congrats on the first job- you've got the long-term picture in mind.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

Good luck on your first job. Sounds like you have a good outlook and should do well. I had my teeth out and only needed 1-2 days recovery.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Academics.

It is not unusual to start a new job with a vacation planned in advance. Let them know about the vacation ASAP. I would have made it known upon offer so that it could be recorded.

as for wisdom teeth, just try to get a stretch of days off and schedule it on day off number 1.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've started a few new jobs in the past where I had a vacation already reserved. I would often times tell them in the interview if I felt it went well enough to bring it up. You already have the job so I would just contact them asap. More times than not they say yes. However, I've never had benefits and all that so I don't know how that will effect it. Also, about your wisdom teeth. First day is the worst. The next two aren't grand. I had 7 teeth removed at once though so I was not too great after.... just eat some soup and know itll be over soon!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion