Placed on medical leave...so why do I feel guilty?

Your attitude is admirable, but you have more important issues to address. You may well have the chance to reciprocate in the future for the coverage your coworkers are providing now.

I think feeling guilty shows that you must be a really great nurse to work with. You are obviously a hard worker and a good team player. Guilt is such an easy emotion for some of us.

However, as you acknowledged, it's absolutely necessary that you take this time you need for YOU. As you also acknowledged, there's nothing you could have done to prevent this.

I have no real advice, but good luck with the remainder of your pregnancy.

you are feeling guilty because you know someone is having to shuffle to make the schedule work. However, they did that before your were hired, and many times since due to a multitude of circumstances. You have to take care of YOU, or you will not be able to care for anyone else, including your baby. Also, you probably have more time on your hands right now and, not being used to that, your mind is wandering and worrying. Stop. You will be wishing for that time once the little one is here! Good luck on the pregnancy & delivery!

I felt guilty when I was placed on early leave during my pregnancy as well. I went in for my 18 week ultrasound and found out that I had placentia previa and was given heavy lifting restrictions. And according to my employer (not my OB) if you can't do 100% of your job, you can't work. By the time my placenta had moved up higher, my BP started rising and I ended up delivering him at about 35 1/2 weeks. My boss and coworkers were also wonderful and supportive but I couldn't help but feel like I really let them down. Especially so early in my pregnancy. The best thing I can tell you is just to try not to stress out about it. Try to take it easy and focus on yourself for the next few weeks because very soon there's going to be someone else that you're going to have to focus on!! Good luck!

You feel that way because your are the Caregiver, who now needs care. Take care of you and the wee one. That's is most important now, and heck who knows maybe next time you can be supportive of someone who has to do the same!

You feel this way because this wasn't the plan! Nature bumped up the timeline you had envisioned, and that's okay Congratulations on the new addition to your family. I wish you and your new child great health!

You feel this way because you are a NURSE! Now you need to leave the Nurse behind for a while, and become a MOM. You need to relax as much as possible! Take care!

"You may well have the chance to reciprocate in the future for the coverage your coworkers are providing now"

What a great way to think of your current circumstances. From one chronically "guilty" person to another, this would make me feel better about the situation.

ditto on the guilt factor here. i recently had abdominal surgery, and told my supervisor i would plan to return in 3 weeks (22 days to be exact). i knew that was probably pushing it, but i felt rotten for taking that much time off. of course, i ended up having some minor post-op complications. i went to see my surgeon for f/up, told him i was planning to return to work, and he said, no way! i told you 6 weeks! i started crying, and he was slightly amused, and said most patients come for surgical f/up & ask for their time off to be extended. i'm not used to being the patient!!

i felt terrible calling my workplace & telling them i wouldn't be back when i'd said i would be. my poor coworkers. -but- i am so grateful to have had more time off & definitely feel better than i did even last week.

(so, i can tell you not to feel guilty...but i know what you mean. )

but this is different, jessie! it's you + 1. -don't- feel guilty!!! you gotta take care of yourself & your tiny one. this way, you will have a little more time to prepare, and most importantly, to relax and be off your feet! your coworkers will be fine. think of all the times you've covered for someone, and will again in the future.

take care of yourself! sit down & put your feet up! (weird, isn't it?) you will be running with feedings & diaperings soon enough...then back to work craziness...

prayers for you & for a safe delivery of your newest family member.