Unfair treatment by co-workers/boss

That is the case with most employers. They will "accept" a pre-determined number of absences, and each additional absence results in escalating "disciplinary action" such as verbal, written warnings, 1-day suspension, etc. It matters not what one's doctor has to say about the absences. It only matters that the absence occurs. That is why FMLA is so critical to preserve one's good standing and job, and is often used intermittently for recurring conditions such as migraines, back pain, etc.

I think Jolie gave some excellent advice!

My daughter is suddenly having trouble with her 1st pregnancy. 32 wks, lots of pains, doc just put her on bedrest. Her co-workers have just donated some of their sick days for her so she does not have to use her actual maternity leave until baby gets here. She is so very grateful. She and others donated days last yr to a co-worker whose wife died unexpectedly, so he could stay home longer with his understandably traumatized 6 yr old. It made such a difference.

My crew is spoiled. If they will just tell me before the new schedule is made out that they want a day off, I approve it. And I really don't care what it is for. If they are feeling so overwhelmed that they need a day off, just say so. Someone will cover. My ADON or myself (DON) will cover the floor if we have to. It is in my best interest to keep my staff happy. But I am just as spoiled. Let me have a really bad day, and I get the sweetest notes. They will come and stand at my door, ask what is wrong, have they done something, can they help. My administrator will send me home early if I looked overwhelmed. One of my nurses nearly lost it last month...fiance' kicked her out, she had no place to go, no money, etc. One of my other nurses went and got her. One of the volunteers for our nsg home brought her food and clothes. We found her a place to live. The administrator gave her extra furniture. And I gave her a week off to get resettled. Last time I was really sick, I went to work, climbed into an empty bed and got the best care you could possibly imagine. We also babysit so people don't have to call in. Child has to be well behaved and willing to take instructions from others. But we do what we have to to make work a place they want to be. Just can't imagine why some people so mistreat their employees.

travel50, can I come work with you when I graduate?

Let me tell you something. I WOULD be ticked off if my manager walked in while I was in stir-ups. Furthermore, I would be livid if she walked in a few hours after I had given birth. I would go above and beyond her and complain to administration. I would consult with an attorney.

Also, if she hasn't put you on orientation for L/D yet, she probably won't do it anytime soon. You can find better jobs out there. Start looking around.

I was going to say I just left a place that I felt I was like part of a family. No one deserves to be treated like the OP was. If they treat staff like that I wonder what their pt satisfaction scores look like.

I too am stuck on the intrusive behavior of your manager. I'm so sorry you had such a terrible experience. I can't even imagine how you feel.

Travel50: You just gave me a headache, as I had to go so quickly from "Oh how terrible!", to "Oh how wonderful!" in less than a minute!

To those who asked, I don't often have openings, but if I did I'd be glad to have you join us. Guess I have just had so many awful DONs in my 26 yrs of nsg and have worked places where no one seemed to care. I've said many times that I hadn't wanted this job, but it landed in my lap. I've never been overly concerned with position and authority, but since I have it, I use it the best I can to make work better for my staff.