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Pregnancy discrimination



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Aug 19, 2008 01:05 PM

Pregnancy discrimination


Okay...

So I started CNA classes last week at a care center, and during the process of applying, the teacher said that I could possibly work there and have the center pay for the classes. When I told her that I was pregnant, she went into how I would need a note saying I could lift a certain amount of weight to even take the class, and to work there. Which I understand... But then she told me they weren't even hiring right then, and that I probably wouldn't be able to get a job there because I am pregnant, and if any positions opened up she would let me know.

I didn't think much of it, until the first day of class, two women mentioned that they applied for the class the day before the class started and were also going to be working there as CNA's so their classes would be paid for, and they would get paid for their clinicals. The teacher never mentioned any openings to me, and still hasn't asked to see a note of any kind for the classes.

Was I discriminated against because I'm pregnant? Because I still go to the classes, I'm still doing the same work they're doing, and I'm hardly 13 weeks pregnant. Did she not hire me because I'm pregnant? I know legally it's not okay for her to do that, but I'm not sure how to confront her with out making things weird in class.

And will I be able to get any work once the classes are done? I've heard of many women working up until their due date, but will I even be able to get hired anywhere?

Sorry... It didn't really bother me until last night. Any advice anyone could give me would be great!

Please help! Thank you in advance.


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13 Comments
No. 1
from chevyv
Old Aug 19, 2008, 01:26 PM

Default Re: Pregnancy discrimination
You very well might have been. I never told a perspective employer I was pregnant until I had the spot. My goodness some people act like your going to be pregnant forever! You don't want to work in that place anyway. Go through with the class and move on. Good luck with your baby and job.
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No. 2
from Jolie
Old Aug 19, 2008, 01:34 PM

Default Re: Pregnancy discrimination
You may have experienced discrimination, but unless you can prove it, I suggest you not address it in class.

It is possible that your classmates were hired and arranged to attend the class prior to your discussion with the instructor. Maybe the instructor decided against offering you a position for some reason other than your pregnancy.

I'm sorry that you're in doubt. It is an uncomfortable feeling. In the future, remember that you have no obligation to divulge private information during an interview. That way there is no question as to whether or not it will influence a decision inappropriately.
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No. 3
from beachlilie
Old Aug 20, 2008, 12:02 AM

Default Re: Pregnancy discrimination
I'm going to try to work somewhere else. I'm hoping that it won't cause any more problems. Thank you for the words of wisdom! I really appreciate you taking the time out of your day to respond to my message.
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No. 4
Old Aug 20, 2008, 12:27 AM

Default Re: Pregnancy discrimination
I'm an aide in LTC....My most dreaded phrase is when someone on shift says they are pregnant. This generally means they get to take as many breaks as they want (to go smoke), they must be in the easy dining room, they can't give residents a shower, and they can't work a section. With that said I worked until I was 38 weeks (1 week before delivery). I still took a section (easier section, no lifting), I still did showers, and did my regular section. I guess it all depends on how the person uses the pregnancy. My doctor had no qualms with me doing my regular job but that was only because I was used to it...and I had NO complications...I'm assuming you aren't used to the heavy lifting, physical demands that being an aide presents. I'd get a job somewhere else if you doctor and you both feel you can deal with the demands on top of being pregnant but don't mention your prengnancy until later.
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No. 5
from sonomala
Old Aug 20, 2008, 08:50 AM

Default Re: Pregnancy discrimination
Honestly, If i were you I'd get certified and then wait till after the baby is born to start work.
Most employers simply don't want to hire someone whose pregnant because they need someone in the position thats fully able to do the work. Hiring someone whose pregnant means they have to be careful about the kinds of work they do, their will be inevitable doctors appointments ect that could cut into work days, and then after the babies born theres the time off and still many women say they'll come back but a few decide not too and then the employer has to start all over again.
Its also important to consider the legal ramifications for the employer, esp in health care. We live in a 'lawsuit world' and if something were to happen to you or your unborn child it could get ugly for them.
I wouldn't take it personally, I've been there done that. Take the class enjoy being pregnant and after the baby is born you'll find a great position for you.
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No. 6
from sonomala
Old Aug 20, 2008, 08:52 AM

Default Re: Pregnancy discrimination
PS sadly given the type of work and how you disclosed it, its completely within their legal right to do it. And hiding your pregnancy from a potential employer can land you in hot water if the pos is in health care
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No. 7
from chevyv
Old Aug 20, 2008, 09:40 AM

Default Re: Pregnancy discrimination
Consider not telling your next potential employer that your pregnant. That would be like telling them that your gay (not exactly, but I hope you get it). Think of how many more won't hire you because your going to be off on maternity leave, which means they have to cover. I worked on my due date and I was still lifting 300# plus people. I never took an easier assignment, because I never felt the need to. I was more tired, but I surely wasn't incapable of performing my duties. As long as the doc oks you to be doing what you can, I see no reason to hold off. I understand that everyone is different, but don't cut yourself short on what you won't be able to do and what you will be doing. Right now, try to concentrate on your certification and remember that place lost a really good cna before she was even a cna, how sad is that!
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No. 8
from sonomala
Old Aug 20, 2008, 01:11 PM

Default Re: Pregnancy discrimination
Originally Posted by chevyv View Post
Consider not telling your next potential employer that your pregnant. That would be like telling them that your gay (not exactly, but I hope you get it).
I have to completely disagree with your statement. I'm hoping that you meant because it would give a bigoted interviewer a reason not to hire them. If I had the choice between a homosexual candidate or a pregnant one, I'd take the homosexual one any day. The gay doesn't come with physical limitations future demands on time off ect.
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No. 9
from chevyv
Old Aug 20, 2008, 02:01 PM

Default Re: Pregnancy discrimination
I simply meant that a don't ask, don't tell type of thinking should be applied here. Yes, a pregnant woman will take a leave, but it's not right to refuse to hire solely based on a pregnancy. I believe that would be illegal. I could care less if your gay, disabled, pregnant, or purple with orange polka dots. So, before people get off on a seperate thread and take my prior post the wrong way, I did not mean anything negative by my comments.
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