Short notice interview during work hours – not sure how to handle this situation
Hi all,
I’m looking for some advice as I’m feeling a bit stuck and unsure what the right move is here.
I’m a newly appointed Band 6 Resuscitation Practitioner (7 months into the role) with 6 years ICU background although I've been a nurse for 15 years in total. I have a PgCert in Critical Care, ALS and PILS provider status.
I recently applied for a Band 7 Critical Care Outreach Practitioner role. I honestly didn’t expect much as I don’t have Band 6 ICU sister experience, but I was shortlisted which I was really pleased about. I suspect it’s because my current role is quite closely aligned with outreach work.
The issue is that I’ve now been given an interview date at very short notice, and it falls on a working day. I’ve requested annual leave, but realistically it will likely be declined due to staffing pressures, and there’s no one available to swap with as we’re currently really short staffed.
I’m now unsure what to do. I’m worried that if I disclose the interview and push for time off it could put pressure on my current team, or damage relationships at work. At the same time, I don’t want to miss the opportunity if this is a genuine chance for progression.
I also can’t help wondering whether this role might already be earmarked for an internal candidate, and I’d just be putting myself in a difficult position for nothing.
Has anyone been in a similar situation? How did you handle it? Would you still attend the interview even if it meant challenging conversations at work?
Any advice appreciated.