Reasonable timeframe to ask for extended vacation after orientation.

Nursetastic · Jan 12, 2011

Personally, I'd try to work independently for a time period at lease as long as my orientation before I'd ask for any time off. Especially extended time.

youngphillynurse · Jan 12, 2011

You need to look into the policy of your facility (go to Human Resources). Seeking vacation time should be mapped out as to when you're eligible and for how long. Also, you have to try and be a spy/detective to figure out how you are viewed by your immediate supervisor in terms of your progress. Of course, they know that you're new, but also that you are human and have outside obligations. After the initial probation period, if you are at least where they think you should be, if not ahead, ask (in a "what if" type of way) about possible scheduled time off and go from there.

Don't jeopardize your job, but your job should understand that they may be job #2.

FrogKissingNurse · Jan 12, 2011

i wouldn't be asking for any extended time off for at least the first year after working on your own. your the new nurse on the bottom of the todem pole. i know i won't be asking for any vacation for at least a year or so when i start. but i understand family time is important. i would try to switch a few shifts and do a few long weekend getaways instead. maybe you can do a friday-monday off a few times. at least it would be better than nothing.

for the future when you start a new job you should let them know in the interview that every year you take a (enter time period here) vacation with the family. that way they know from the begining.

diamand · Jan 12, 2011

I just wanted to clarify that the extended vacation I refer to would be a week vacation. Also, I work 8 hour shifts, M-F and our hospital does not have 10 or 12 hour shifts in the OR.

April, RN, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2011

I just wanted to clarify that the extended vacation I refer to would be a week vacation. Also, I work 8 hour shifts, M-F and our hospital does not have 10 or 12 hour shifts in the OR.

A week shouldn't be that big of a deal. In my hospital, the rules regarding vacation time vary from unit to unit. You could ask your manager about the vacation time policy in the OR and tell her that you'd like to schedule a family vacation for sometime after you get off orientation and see what she says.

Mulan · Jan 12, 2011

Find out when you are entitled to take vacation.

If you are eligible to take it, put in for it.

Orange Tree · Jan 12, 2011

I started asking for two weeks off almost right after orientation. It took 2-3 months for me to actually get it, though....because other people with more seniority wanted to take their vacations at about the same time.

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2011

Hello,
I am currently in an OR residency program which lasts approximately 38-45 weeks. I am a new Grad and would like to know when would be a good time to ask for an extended vacation. We get about 4 weeks PTO yearly, but if I'm still in orientation for most of the year, how can I work an extended family vacation in? I don't know if I ask soon after coming off orientation if that will look bad. I don't want to give an impression as being a slacker or high maintenance, but I also value my vacation with my family.
Any and all advice would be appreciated. TIA!

I'll be honest...unless it was something that was bought and paid for prior to starting the job, which you would have mentioned when you were hired, I would nix the vacation.

Most places will give you your PTO but you have to have that time earned before you can take it.

Orientation is generally mandatory and aspects of it cannot be made up, depending on how yours is set up.

Just chalk it up to one of life's sacrifices. In this economy, most people cannot afford to take vacations at all.