Time Off Requests

Looking for advice -

I am fairly new to nursing. Two years ago, after graduation, I began working in an oncology unit in a hospital part-time, including every other weekend and 2 out of 3 of major summer holidays and 2 out of 3 of the major winter holidays. I do not have a "set" every other weekend and have been told by management that I will need to flex my weekends on with the needs of the unit.

We have a "Request Off" book where we are asked to enter any time off requests. Upon learning of an important family event this summer, I immediately entered the request into the book. This was several months ago.

The schedule just came out and I was denied the time off. I can't find anyone to switch with me as it is two weeks away. This is extremely important to me. I have relatives coming into town from all over the country, several are staying at my house for the weekend of the event.

How is this handled at your facility? Do those of you that work in the hospital setting just not go to these important events in your life. I feel cornered, resentful, trapped, taken advantage of, amongst other feelings. This is the only time I asked for off the whole summer. In the two years I have been there I have not been given a "scheduled" vacation because it is awarded based on seniority, and the vacation schedule is filled way before it ever gets to me.

Am I asking too much? Is this just how floor nursing in a 24/7 operation is run?

Thanks in advance! Last edit by syrlisa on Jul 12, '10 : Reason: length
Can you call in on this day? This seems extreme to me on their part. I'm always granted my request offdays and always get vacation when I request. I'm sorry, this sounds like ahorrible place to work.

NExt time I'd remind them a month or so after you put it in. A lot of times it gets lost if you put it in too early. You could still ask, reminding them you'd requested it off months ago.

I would call off on the important day. Next time, remember to keep reminding them up until the time you want off. Sounds as if your request got lost in the shuffle.

The Emancipation Proclamation needs to be amended to include nurses. They are using and abusing you. You're part time and expected to work half the weekends and the majority of the holidays? And not only that, your weekends can change at their whim? You're being taken advantage of. Personally, I wouldn't miss this event. You'll have lots of jobs before you die. I was writing my resume out today and I really had to think to remember all my jobs. But this family event may not happen again for years, if then. You could either call in or talk to your boss prior and advise her you will not be working that day. You are taking a risk. There is a chance you could be punished for this. To me, it would be worth it.

To not be given a vacation in two years seems a bit excessive. Do you not earn PTO at this facility? How are you expected to use it if you are never given vacation time or days off? My department has 140 employees and EVERY part time and full time employee gets to pick at least two weeks a year if they have the time in their PTO bank. Granted, the pickin's are slim for the newbies but they have an option.This does not sound right. Check your HR policy regarding time off, vacations, and seniority. I am assuming that this means the senior nurses get all the vacation time and you get none.As far as the upcoming event: Call in as being unavailable if you must.

I send in my requests as soon as I'm aware of them. It's rare that my requests aren't granted but if they aren't, I remind my NM that I requested it off and ask if there's anyway for the schedule to be adjusted. If she says no, I start looking for someone to trade. If that doesn't work, I would call off. Thus far, it's not come to that. *knocks on wood*I recently needed to request a weekend off that I normally work. Knowing in advance, I tried to swap with others who were off that weekend but nobody was willing. When I sent in the request I told her that I was unable to find anyone willing to trade but scheduled or not, I wouldn't be there so she'd need to find coverage if she didn't schedule enough people without me. Thankfully, my request was granted.I think if this were a regular thing where it seemed I was dictating my schedule she likely wouldn't be so flexible. Since I have saved her with staffing issues by working insane amounts of OT I think she reciprocates by granting me my requests, even when it's a day I technically can't request off (like the weekend).In your situation, I would call off now so they can at least attempt to make other arrangements. Not knowing the policies of your facility or what your relationship is with your NM, it may or may not be worth it. For me though, I'm not missing out on big moments with my family for work. We very rarely gather so when it happens I make a point of being there as you never know when the last time is going to be until it's too late.

Quote from RedhairedNurseCan you call in on this day? This seems extreme to me on their part. I'm always granted my request offdays and always get vacation when I request. I'm sorry, this sounds like ahorrible place to work.

Well, I sent my NM an e-mail reminding her that I had requested the day off. She replied that she is unable to cover that weekend and that I would need to ask other staff to switch. Could I do that? Maybe. But I feel that if I do, my NM will no longer attempt to fill requests off, but will put it on my shoulders to fill my own requests.I am going to talk to my husband and believe I will be putting in my notice tomorrow. Is two weeks enough? If I give two weeks notice I will be done working before the weekend I need off.Yes I earn generous PTO. However, I am only able to take a day or two here and there. I currently have 7 weeks built up. We were told this summer that not only would I not be given a scheduled vacation, but that my NM would not be granting ANY PTO time due to staff shortage. I am sick about this because I love where work.

Well, I can see why the place is short staffed. I certainly wouldn't work there. Two weeks is enough, and good for you for not allowing people to take advantage of you.

If you call in sick after putting in a request for vacation, they'll know why you really called in and will try to get rid of you as an employee. So if you choose to do that, be prepared to find another job with a "black mark" on your record.If you resign now, then be prepared to be unemployed for a while as another job may be hard to find.It's up to you which route you take. Are you sure you have done everything possible to find someone to switch even part of the weekend with you?

Quitting seems like a drastic step. Since you love your job, I'd say ask around for someone to switch with you. And if it's bothering you that much, start looking for another job. But I wouldn't quit till I had something else lined up.

I recently put in for three days off in the same week that I needed off due to family gatherings for my sisters graduation. I got 1 of those 3 days off. I had to find my own coverage for the rest. A co-worker told me in the future, put the request in as usual.. and make a copy of it.