Started new job - how do I bring up time off for vacation

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello,

I want to get your feedback:

I started a new full time position in Dec. 2010. I have a trip planned 8 days the end of Feb booked the tickets (4 of them) last Aug. I don't have any paid time off / vacation time. I am willing to take the time unpaid.

How do I approach my manager to see if he will give me the time off? OR do I not bring it up and change the vacation all together?

I am still on probation until March- I really like the unit and don't want to make waves or have my manager think I am high maintenance.

Any recommendations / suggestions?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Did you bring this pre-planned trip up during your interview/job offer process? It is totally normal to notify the prospective employer during the interview process of any previously-booked vacations.

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No we only discussed swapping shifts and how it worked and that he (the manager tries to honor the requests the best he can) my interview was back in Oct - I didn't think of bringing it up - plus I really wanted the job and didn't want the manager to think she's already asking for time off. I don't want to make waves especially during my probation- I could push the trip back to April but I will have to pay rebooking fees X4. suggestions?

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Forgot too mention job offer came from HR - I didn't see my manager again to mid Dec when I started on the unit. The next schedule is coming out so I wanted to discuss if the option was available or not before it comes out.

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i think its kinda late to tell them you planned 8 days vacation in Feb. Actually it's common to let your employer know if you had scheduled something prior to starting your job, whether vacation,appointments,obligtions, etc. I guess this must be your first full time job? It doesnt look too good that you bring up you want 8 days off a month after you've already started the job. I would reschedule

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Specializes in Cardiac.

It's bad etiquette to ask for any special accommodations before you have proven yourself in a new position. Exceptions can be made for uncontrollable situations like hospitalizations, but taking a vacation that quickly after starting a new job is completely faux pas.

Personally I would cancel the vacation or postpone it (I think April is too soon even, but I am historically conservative on this front).

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Specializes in ER/ float.

This one is easy, choose the job or your vacation! Which is more important to you?:uhoh3:

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It doesn't hurt to ask.

Explain the situation.

He may give you the time off.

If not, you can always reschedule, if he will let you have the time off then.

If not, then you choose, the vacation or the job.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I know this doesn't help you now, but if this is something you knew about at the time of your interview, it's something you should have mentioned at that time.

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Specializes in Hospice.

I would ask...i did when i started, they ended not given me any extra days off but they made the schedule so i had five days off. I flew back early but it was no big deal

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Specializes in chemical dependency detox/psych.

You could do it like, "Hi Nurse Manager. First, I just want to say that I really like our unit. I've really been enjoying learning and growing as a nurse. You see, I have something a bit uncomfortable that I want to ask you. Way back in August, I had booked this family vacation for February. I don't know if it's at all possible, but I was wondering if it could work that I could take those days unpaid. I can also rebook for March, if that helps anything. I truly don't want to make waves or sound high-maintenance, and I'm sorry for not bringing this up sooner. I'm just a newbie, and I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to approach this, until I thought that I would just take make my chances and come out with it. So...what do you think?"

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

You should have been upfront in ur interview and mentioned this to the recruiters.

I would change ur ticket, it's a bit short notice for the NMs to find other staff, and they won't be happy with you. It doesn't matter if it's paid or unpaid leave.

I remember doing doctors and nurses rosters and they would say things like: I am going away on the monday of the next roster and they would have sometimes planned this a month b4 hand! My manager, who was the Director of all the clinical nurses used to complain can't they give us some more notice? but sometimes I think the nurses were a bit scared to ask for time off, because they would be told no you can't have it.

Be up front next time - it saves a lot of hassles when ur the one doing the roster.

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