how do I fit in a doctor's appt?

[awhitmer83]

I'm in the second week of my new job, and I'm already freaking out trying to get things done. In two weeks, I have an appointment with my OB-GYN for my annual checkup and Depo shot (which, obviously, I *must* get on time). However, I work an hour from home and this is not the time to ask to come in late or leave early. My doctor isn't open on Saturdays, his office doesn't open until 1 1/2 hours after I leave for work, and it will be closed by the time I get home during the week.

How in the world do I fit this in? I could come in late - the hours are flexible - but I would also have to stay late. Plus I think it would reflect poorly on me to ask to come in late so soon after starting. I could try to find an OB-GYN in the town where I work, but I've gone to the same one for 9 years and I'm not keen on the idea of someone new. I'm sure my boss knows that things like this come up, but I don't want to make myself look bad!

How do people find time for this stuff? Any ideas?

[Kitty]

Well, if you have the sick time to take it off..then just go. I don't think it will reflect poorly.

I would just write your boss an email saying "I have a doctor's appointment on x day. I'll be out from x to x." Seriously, this is no big thing.

[Xander]

I wouldn't just take off and leave a note. Ask if you're able to come in early and leave early, or come in late and leave late. Most people wont care. Say you have a doctor's appointment, and tell him/her the hours.

If they're unreasonable about going to see the doctor...

[awhitmer83]

Well, if you have the sick time to take it off..then just go. I don't think it will reflect poorly.


Well, that's just it. I don't have any sick time yet because I'm still in my 90-day probation period. It was made very clear when I started that I had better not miss during those first 90 days unless someone dies. I can make up the time, but I'm scared to ask for it in the first place because they're so adamant about attendance. (ETA: I replaced someone who called in and left early constantly. This is the type of job where if I'm not there, someone else has to stay late to do my work. It can't really wait until the next day.)

I know it's probably not a big deal, but it took me 6 months and a Chapter 7 bankruptcy to find this job, so I'm terrified of losing it. I don't want to do anything whatsoever that might make them regret hiring me.

[Kitty]

Then I would just come in late but make up the time by staying late.

Write a note to your boss explaining and explaining that you'll be making up the time. As long as you put in the hours, it shouldn't be a big deal.

[SmilesSoSweet]

If this appointment was scheduled before you started your new job, then there shouldn't be a problem taking the time off to go. You may not get paid, but you should be able to go to your appointment without any problems.

I took a new job knowing I couldn't use vacation and personal/sick time for six months, but I ended up having a vacation planned and a few appointments that I did planned before taking the new job. I just let them know in advance what my pre-planned itineries were before accepting my new job.

My boss was okay with it.

[wordsmith]

When I started my job, I was too poor/too underinsured to et OB/GYN care except at Planned Parenthood, which for my county was a 25 mile drive one way. So, going meant either taking a long lunch, or coming in early or leaving late (also did not have Sat. hours). Dr. appts shouldn't be arguable, esp. if you make up the time missed.

[pisces2473]

Definitely just tell them you've had a doctor's appt. scheduled for some time, and that you will be more than happy to make up the time. Believe me, it happens. If your boss has an issue, then that's just wacky.

I've been at my job 2.5 months and I've had a lot of dr's appointments in that time. I just let them know a few days before and it's fine. They are very trusting that I won't abuse my time. I'm on salary and don't fill out a timesheet.

[Ciderhillnh]

Obviously you booked this appointment WAY before you got this job. Tell them that you have to book your yearly exam 3 MONTHS in advance, and you did this.
I highly doubt your company is going to tell you to reschedule. Tell them you have the appointment and will be coming in late.

[winneythepooh7]

Um hello, you are a Social Worker correct? If you can't advocate for YOUR needs, how in the heck do you plan to advocate for your clients' needs? You need to take care of yourself first. A good supervisor WILL understand that.