Scheduling/Vacations?

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I imagine this question is really employer-specific, but was hoping to hear back from NPs about how difficult it is to get solid vacation time. As a floor RN, I'm used to figuring out 3 weeks off in the winter and a 10 day spring and fall trip. This is super important to me. I'm interviewing for an FNP program here in MN and one of the big hesitations I have is if vacations like this will be possible as an FNP? Please tell me if you've been able to negotiate some good travel time!

Thanks!

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Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

If you find someone who can accommodate this, PLEASE let me know how I can apply!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
If you find someone who can accommodate this, PLEASE let me know how I can apply!

Lol. :) I normally don't take off more than 4 or 5 days in a row. When I'm on vacation a psychiatrist takes my patient load and I do the same for their vacations. Its difficult for me to stay on top of what is happening if I miss too much time.

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Specializes in Cardiac, Home Health, Primary Care.

It's easier working on the floor to accommodate these requests. If you schedule it right on the floor you can have 14 days off in a row only taking 1 week of vacation.

As an NP I'd think it'd be tougher to have coverage for around 5 weeks every year (as there are far less NP's than RN's) if it's a clinic that is open M-F. You might can find a place with 12 hour shifts that could work with you more for more consecutive days off but I doubt you'd get 5 weeks of vacation time.

Just my thoughts!

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Nursing.

Check what your local employers are offering by investigating what they are advertising within their help wanted ads in MN on top job site aggregators like Indeed and SimplyHired. I have seen 4 weeks vacation offered in my area and perhaps if you work for a place (like a state facility) that in addition to vacation time offers holiday comp and personal days then you probably can pull it off.

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anyone work as a FNP for the VA? Seems they offer their RN's good vacation (30 days?) so I assume they'd treat FNPs well too?

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I was a RN there and in my experience there was plenty of vacation time accrued but it was difficult getting coverage to take all of it. I didn't accept their offer of a NP position because the pay was so low.

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Specializes in CTICU.

Heck no. I was barely able to take 2 consecutive weeks to go overseas to get married/honeymoon.

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Specializes in Nephrology.

I am an NP in MN. Started with 4 weeks vacation. I am the only NP in my group so my workload gets divided between 15 docs when I am off. Planning 10 day trip this spring

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I work at a large urgent care organization as an FNP; I've only worked there for approximately 7 months and I'm taking a week off for the next 4 months for multiple vacations. Most of it is PTO I've saved up, but some of it is non-paid time off. I think if you work at a big enough company you will be able to take the time off. Also, letting your employer know early and having open communication about your plans also makes it easier :). Anything is possible as an FNP!

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Specializes in PICU.

I've been in my job for almost a year and a half and have lost some of my time off because we aren't able to take any of it due to a lack of staffing. I finally get two days off in March and those will be my first. I'm guessing most places aren't this bad!

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doesn't seem like the norm

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