Notice periods - need advice.

Anne28

I hope someone can advise me. I have a really big problem. Basically I have a place on a PG Diploma Adult Nursing course for September. But now it all depends on me passing a portfolio. I do not get the results till the 7th September. University starts around the 17th September.

My problem is I work full time in the nhs and have to give four weeks notice. I thought I should hand in my notice on the 17th August. A month before but I'm worried in case I don't pass. I don't want to be left with nothing.

So I thought of handing it on the day i get my results (if i pass) and booking 3 weeks annual leave now to cover my notice period. And working the week inbetween. And if I have gone over pro-rata take it as unpaid? Could this work?

Is there another way round this? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks

marybelle01

Discuss it with your manager? If you are already working for the NHS and the course is going to, in some form or another, put you back there eventually, it seems like they'd be willing to discuss the various options, such as letting you leave early, booking holiday or whatever.

Anne28

I'm working in administration for the nhs something completely different to nursing. I didn't really want my manager to know yet in case it doesn't happen. I wondered if i shud contact my HR department?.....

marybelle01

Seriously, I'd discuss it with your manager. If it doesn't come off then it doesn't come off. But in their shoes I'd rather know what happening and discuss my needs as a manager as well as yours as an employee. Suppose they have a lot of work on then, or others are off, and refuse to agree three weeks of leave? And how do you think they will feel if you go over their head, leave them in the dark and go to HR? More or less amenable? You might be in admin, but it doesn't really matter - it's a career move. Most managers will support that and do what they can to help you out. But it's two way.

Anne28

I guess!! Thankyou for the advice. I havent really explained the whole situation though. I left once before and retuned last year. I have always wanted to go back to university but was never in a financial position to do so. So first I'm worried how they will take me leaving a second time. And also the job i'm in is more than just admin and seen as a career. I'm already a band 4 and can progress to a band 5 (same as a nurse) if i wish. So me telling them I'm going back to uni will be a shock to them. And I didn't really want to mention it unless it was a definate.

I know nobody has these three weeks off yet so I could book them tomorrow. I'm just not sure if I could take it as unpaid if i go over my annual leave pro-rata.

Callie22

Seems a bit weird that your place on the course is only confirmed ten days before - most people wouldn't be able to arrange things in that time. I wonder if it's worth speaking to your university or course leader and explaining the situation, to see if there's any way you could know earlier.

Anne28

I asked today at the uni - shes still not going to mark it any earlier. And also I need occupational health clearance before my place is confirmed. Tho the lecturer has suggested I take a risk and hand it in a month before uni starts and save up my annual leave. I only have an appointment on 5th September for occy health though which I'm seeing if i can bring forward. But I'm still worried i don't want to hand in my notice if my place isn't confirmed. I really have no idea what to do. Wondering if its all worth it now?

marybelle01

Goodness. Is your manager a complete ogre who will sack you the minute you explain the problem to her? Just go and talk to the manager. Is that really such an awful prospect compared to possibly giving up a place you have worked hard for, or really annoying them by dropping this on them at the last minute?

DVardysShadow

Anne28 wrote: »

I asked today at the uni - shes still not going to mark it any earlier. And also I need occupational health clearance before my place is confirmed. Tho the lecturer has suggested I take a risk and hand it in a month before uni starts and save up my annual leave. I only have an appointment on 5th September for occy health though which I'm seeing if i can bring forward. But I'm still worried i don't want to hand in my notice if my place isn't confirmed. I really have no idea what to do. Wondering if its all worth it now?

I would suggest the other way around. Book leave days for 3 weeks from the start of your course [17th Sept] to one month after you get the result [7th Oct]. Give notice on the day you get your result.

Sambucus_Nigra

Anne28 wrote: »

I asked today at the uni - shes still not going to mark it any earlier. And also I need occupational health clearance before my place is confirmed. Tho the lecturer has suggested I take a risk and hand it in a month before uni starts and save up my annual leave. I only have an appointment on 5th September for occy health though which I'm seeing if i can bring forward. But I'm still worried i don't want to hand in my notice if my place isn't confirmed. I really have no idea what to do. Wondering if its all worth it now?

That's nice of her!

I'd book the time off now, and then if you have to cancel the leave then cancel.