Restrictions on using PTO

In every organization I have worked, there were PTO/vac day restrictions. In many of them, there were "blackout" periods in which no PTO would be granted - usually major holidays. Most had a limit on the number of successive days that could be taken at once and these usually stipulated how the days could be arranged, depending on your normal work schedule. There are usually some rules about how much advance notice you have to provide also. It all makes sense, when you consider that the organization has to maintain 24X7 staffing levels. Rules also prevent managers from playing favorites because everyone has to follow them.

When I worked nursing home you had to request off at least 4 weeks in advance and it was granted only if one of the prns would cover or someone would switch shifts with you. The further in advance you asked the better than chance of finding someone to cover. We all tried to help each other out and cover when needed as long as the favor was returned. With you only working every other weekend at this place it's going to be harder for you to find coverage because no one wants to work weekends normally and the M-F people don't want to have to pick up a weekend shift on top off their normal hours. Unless this place has some PRN people it's going to be difficult to find coverage.

I understand some restrictions, such as holidays or a "first come/first serve" basis for days when multiple people have requested off.

My issue is that this is a benefit I have earned that I am trying to use and cannot because my coworkers (understandably) do not want to give up their weekend off. And because I only work weekends there, I cannot use my PTO on other days or as a longer vacation. And I'm told that only so much of it will roll over at my anniversary date, so I will lose the time that I am not being allowed to use.

I'm feeling salty on this right now because I'm trying to get a day off and it's so difficult. Those who work M-F can get a day off with no issue.

Just feels like my reward for working there for years is "Thanks for your service. Hope you aren't close with your sister since you'll be missing her wedding. Too bad, so sad."

ETA- I am not actually missing my sister's wedding. I am trying to take off for something else. Though I do know people who have missed family weddings due to this policy.

I absolutely hate policies in which you have to find your own coverage. I think that if you ask off weeks in advance, that should be more than enough time for management to work it in to the schedule and arrange coverage. There is a reason someone else does the schedule - they're paid to do it. I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I think it's crappy and hope you can work it out.

You are entitled to the time off and if the facility can't cover it then obviously they are grossly understaffed. I'd be moving on, personally.

In all honesty, it is a great place to work. They are generally well staffed and (other than this) treat their employees well and there are many nurses and other staff that have been there upwards or 10/15/20 years. There is very little turnover and they are a very highly rated facility. The owners are in the building daily as administrators and know all staff (200+) and 99% of the patients by name. I'm proud to work there and be a part of their reputation.

This BS policy was implemented after 4 CNAs were granted Easter off and then agency CNAs were scheduled to cover the hours and all 4 called in the day of so they were super understaffed.