So, I am a very new nurse, ie, still in orientation. I am feeling a little befuddled, because I seem to have missed the everything is sunshine, and dewdrops, and kittens, phase of my new career. I'm hoping this doesn't mean I'm going to reach the 'boy I need a new job' phase exceptionally fast. Don't get me wrong, I like my job and my new unit, but I also am very much appreciative of my days off.
I started thinking about this because it came to light (ie I had no clue) last that my new unit only allows us to use 2 out of 5 weeks of earned time, and the rest we are supposed to cash out at the end of the year. (Or use as sick time, but I have no plans to become 'sick' so I can use my earned time, its just not in me). I am feeling particularly salty and crusty about this earned time policy, and wish I had known of it before I accepted this position, as I do enjoy being able to take a day off here and there. In fact, I am feeling like a long weekend would be very good right about now ? ....and that's what I'm sayin'! I just started and I'm already ready for a break ? LOL.
I have worked in the same hospital where I am now employed for a couple years as a CNA, and prior to this I worked for the same organization in a different role as a crisis worker for 3 years. It's also worth mentioning that things are a bit hairy at my hospital right now, as we are in the process of voting on unionization. Also, the covid. My old CNA unit is a covid unit, or has been since March, so I was maybe already a teensy bit burnt out. A friend of mine that I went to school with who also works in the hospital, and has transitioned to a nurse in her dept (ED) is feeling the same lack of ? and ?, so im not alone.
I just hope that this is not a foreshadowing of the shortest career in nursing history ?♀️?. This is my second career, and I cannot afford a 3rd LOL. Honestly though, did y'all experience the kittens ? phase, or jump straight to the "2 more days and I get a day off" phase? I really do like a lot of aspects of my job. I find it to be interesting intellectually. I like the hustle and bustle and organized chaos. As hard as it is, I value being able to be there for patients when they are struggling, or when they pass. I like feeling like I accomplished something at the end of the day. So that's good, right? ???
Are you certain the policy is you can only take two weeks? Could it be you can only take two weeks at a time? It's pretty amazing you get 5 weeks just starting the job to begin with, unless of course they allowed your seniority within the company to carry over so you got PTO based on years of total service instead of based on this job.
Are you certain the policy is you can only take two weeks? Could it be you can only take two weeks at a time? It's pretty amazing you get 5 weeks just starting the job to begin with, unless of course they allowed your seniority within the company to carry over so you got PTO based on years of total service instead of based on this job.
It is because of my 5 years with the company. And yes, I'm certain. After 5 years as a nurse I will be allowed to take 3 weeks ?
It is because of my 5 years with the company. And yes, I'm certain. After 5 years as a nurse I will be allowed to take 3 weeks ?
Well that bites! On the plus side at least you know you have 3 weeks pay to cash out at the end of the year assuming you stay there. It's kind of an involuntary savings account, one without interest but then no bank pays much in interest anymore.
Just curious, if you do leave will you be able to get all your PTO? My old job how much of your remaining PTO you got when you quit depended on what quarter of the year you left and/or years of service. Even if you where there long enough to get 100% when you left no matter what time of year which I was there was another stipulation that you would lose it if you called in even once after you put in your notice but before you were done.
When I left I had been there more than long enough to get it all but you bet I only gave them 2 weeks notice and told my DON upfront that I didn't care how sick I was I would be coming in for long enough to not count as an absence!
kbrn2002, ADN, RN
3,967 Posts
Are you certain the policy is you can only take two weeks? Could it be you can only take two weeks at a time? It's pretty amazing you get 5 weeks just starting the job to begin with, unless of course they allowed your seniority within the company to carry over so you got PTO based on years of total service instead of based on this job.