zappae63

it sounds like your unit needs to increase the number of staff off. There is way to calculate. FTE X hours accrued years. (higher seniority accrue more time) Calculate all RNs on your unit. Then sum then divide by 52. (leave some time for sicknesses if your institution does not have a separate sick time bank)

It is important to maintain a balance that respects seniority but also will help retain newer staff. Our unit allow the top 10 staff to pick 2 weeks of their choice within the calendar year. Then lower staff pick 2 weeks. It goes by seniority to a certain date and or deadline for requests to keep senior staff from bumping junior staff. The vacation picks then go back to the top of the list. This way it prevents senior staff from choosing all their desired time 5-6 weeks before others have a chance. it allows less senior staff a chance for school vacation weeks or summer time. (maybe not mid July to mid August, but at least time in June) We do not allow staff to take full weeks over the winter holidays. Thanksgiving, Christmas or NewYears. No even the nurses who have over 40 years. Elaine