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Original poster

Frontline staff taking annual leave

51 replies

NurseElspeth11 · 26/03/2020 22:38

Is it acceptable to take annual leave during the crisis? I had a holiday booked next month. I’d probably think I could rearrange the time off but reckon I need a bit of a break from the Wards . And with schools closed and OH work from home (self employed) i would like the time to be with our DCs. I’m leaving my post on one month for a different trust so I will not be able to claim back the time. Is it horribly selfish of me to use the annual leave?

OP posts:
GoatsDoRome · 26/03/2020 22:48

No, burnout is a recognised thing and breaks are important for continued good health - something you need to defend in bucketloads at the moment!

Original poster
NurseElspeth11 · 27/03/2020 06:22

Thank you, I’m feeling quite guilty k owing I’m needed but also must attend to my family and I’m
Absolutely knackered.

OP posts:
HRH2020 · 27/03/2020 06:23

Of course you should take it.

LolaSmiles · 27/03/2020 06:26

Burnout is a real issue and healthy rested staff will be more efficient and effective. Take the holiday.

Verily1 · 27/03/2020 06:27

I’m a key worker and my annual leave has been cut.

Fatted · 27/03/2020 06:29

Depends what you do. We're still allowed annual leave. I have a relative who is a medical professional, works in the NHS, and is still allowed leave.

DebbieFiderer · 27/03/2020 06:31

Our managers are actively encouraging us to take our AL as booked; to avoid burnout, but also to avoid everyone building up loads of annual leave that they will need to take when this is all over. They have said that there may come a time when they do need to cancel AL, but that time isn't now.

Orchidflower1 · 27/03/2020 06:32

How long is your holiday for? A month off- no

  • week then yes.
Healthy nhs staff are needed. Your mind needs to be healthy too.
GRW · 27/03/2020 06:33

We have been encouraged not to cancel booked leave, but overtime is available during that time to cover sickness.

spirdygirdy · 27/03/2020 06:35

We're encouraged to take leave. If no one does, people will fall down but also there will be huge volumes of AL to take in the autumn / winter and stretch the service even further when it needs to try and get back on its feet.

withadivinebeatlesbaseline · 27/03/2020 06:42

All our leave was cancelled yesterday. Take it if you can, it’s important to avoid burnout

Elephantonascooter · 27/03/2020 06:42

Fucking hell please take the annual leave. You're just as entitled to it as anyone else... If not more right now! You can't burn yourself out. By the sounds of it, it's stressful and busy at the moment and you need to look after yourself. Take the holiday and enjoy time with your family, some wine, and some early nights!

spirdygirdy · 27/03/2020 06:43

If all leave is cancelled there will be an increase in sick leave as people won't be able to cope. Very difficult.

pixley · 27/03/2020 06:47

I think many trusts are cancelling annual leave, mine certainly is. I was due 2 weeks off over Easter.

Mumof1I · 27/03/2020 06:49

We are working on the idea that this is a marathon not a sprint. If we can get our leave we are taking it. If other team members become unwell and service provision effected we will review it and work our leave. Working well so far.

Pixxie7 · 27/03/2020 06:49

You should take it, your not a robot.

Theyrecomingtotakemeawayhaha · 27/03/2020 06:50

I did extra shifts this week but kept the other 5 off.I have a week's leave at Easter,I will be taking that and my weeks in the summer.
At work I expect to be working with ventilated patients so I'm pacing myself for the long haul,keeping myself in the best mental and physical health as I can to care for as many as I can.
All key workers should have their breaks guilt free.

Dyrne · 27/03/2020 06:51

Another one saying take it while you still can! Unfortunately things are going to get a lot worse before we get through to the other side, so you need to be as rested as possible for what’s to come.

A word of warning though - I had a couple of days’ leave recently and it was ever so slightly depressing just sitting around at home not being able to do anything! So not really as relaxing as a proper time off but still nice to ignore work for a bit.

newmumwithquestions · 27/03/2020 06:52

I was going to say no as there are so many people doing things to keep you working, but this:
I’m leaving my post on one month for a different trust so I will not be able to claim back the time.
changes it for me. I agree with leave being postponed where necessary but you shouldn’t lose it. Take it (if you can).

AnyFucker · 27/03/2020 06:52

Take the AL

Deelish75 · 27/03/2020 06:54

Take it. And thank you.

Lockdownshockdown · 27/03/2020 06:57

Our trust isnt cancelling AL. My dad works for the trust and they have been told to take it.

Firstly they cant afford for everyone trying to take it later in the year and secondly to avoid burnout

LoveNursing · 27/03/2020 06:57

Someone in my family runs the intensive care in my local hospital. They say their staff must continue with annual leave; they want to preserve staff for what is yet to come.

You need if even if you don't feel exhausted! You need it so much more if you do.
Take it with a clear conscience knowing you'll soon be back and able to deliver more of your best because you sensibly took time to recuperate.

littlebitwooway · 27/03/2020 06:59

I would strongly advise you take it and even take it now because in a months time there may be cancellation of leave.

Mummyoflittledragon · 27/03/2020 07:09

Please take it. You will feel a million times better. Thank you for your dedication. 😊