Vacation time discussion when applying for a new job

Nurses Professionalism

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care, Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Hello everyone! I am an adult critical care RN of 10 years and have worked at the same hospital for the entirety of my nursing career. Currently, I am not working and pursuing my AG-ACNP full - time in a new city. I have decided to change to the part - time program and seek employment on a critical care unit part-time or full-time. Despite years of experience, this is only my second time applying for a nursing job, so I'm rusty.

My question: during the application/interviewing/accepting process, how do you ensure you will get time off for a previously planned vacation? I have a fabulous vacation planned March 2 - 6th, but would like to start working ASAP and I know I will not get vacation time that soon. I hate to be inflexible, but this is a deal-breaker. Does anyone have experience with addressing this during the job application process? Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks!

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

If you are offered a position or if your prospective employer asks if you have any questions you say. I have a planned vacation with non-refundable airline tickets and hotel reservations planed for give dates. I would need those days off but would be able to work up to the night before and return to work immediately upon my return. All they can say is no we can't accommodate that - then the decision is your =s to take the job or not.

Hppy

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care, Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Thank you for your time, Hppy!

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
My question: during the application/interviewing/accepting process, how do you ensure you will get time off for a previously planned vacation?

You can't ensure that. You can ask in a general way how vacation is planned. If the unit is self-schedule, you might be in luck. Many employers schedule quarters (or up to a year) at a time. And you'll be new. So...you might consider waiting until after March since this is a "deal-breaker."

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

Hiring managers are used to this, and we expect it. I will typically ask about any vacation requests at the time of job offer, with the understanding that it will likely be unpaid.

Best time to mention it is at the time of job offer.

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Specializes in Adult Critical Care, Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Update on my extremely boring question - in my interview, the manager asked me if I had any scheduled vacation in the near future and said my request was totally fine. I accepted the offer today and I'm excited to start in January! Intermediate ICU in a level one trauma center :woot:

Thanks for all the advice!

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