Unfair treatment by co-workers/boss

I feel as if you've been on my unit! That is EXACTLY how it is. Everyone stabs each other in the back, so to speak.

I know that there aren't considerations made for pregnant nurses. But it would seem that, in a "caring" profession such as ours, that co-workers would at least try to be sensitive to the needs of a pregnant woman. When a heavy patient needs to be repositioned, others should be willing to help. This goes for EVERYONE -- not just pregnant nurses. So it would seem that a pregnant woman asking for help would get even more response! In our case, NOPE.

The nurses on our unit who are pregnant now are being talked about behind their backs, as well. And our nursing moms are no different. It is very sad.

The one thing I am doing about it is resolving NOT to act like my co-workers. If someone asks for help, I give it. I try to show interest in the pregnancies of my co-workers because I know how hard it is to be pregnant in this environment! And, I try very hard to stay OUT of the gossip and keep my own mouth shut because I don't want anything to do with what has made me so miserable. I don't want to do that to anyone else!

I think that it depends on the situation. Only the pregnant nurse can know for sure, unfortunately. In some cases, that nurse's doctor may suggest she "take it easy" at work, knowing that a nurse's job is very physically demanding. While it is known that some nurses do take advantage of that, it is still best to err on the side of caution before passing judgment.

I have to tread this one carefully, because I know my co-workers were very irritated with me when I was pregnant. But, it was very obvious how precarious my situation was, considering the number of times I had to be admitted with pre-term contractions. Still, that didn't alleviate their disgruntledness, and not only was I asked to do things that were dangerous for me to do -- I was actually dumped on (which I feel was done on purpose to make a point). I guess the best thing is to try to be sensitive and give the pregnant co-worker the benefit of the doubt. She is doing her best to protect her unborn child, and is probably aware she is making people angry by doing so. It's not an easy place to be -- and sometimes it takes being pregnant with complications (often caused by a heavy workload) to have true sympathy for it.

Chances are that she really needs to work, or otherwise she'd be taking time off to better take care of herself/baby. I was in the same sticky situation -- which was very unpleasant.

Was this nurse a hard worker before becoming pregnant? If so, definitely give her some understanding. And when she comes back from maternity leave, she'll probably return to working just as hard.

Just an update:

Since I posted this back in February, my husband has finished his degree and is now the breadwinner! I cut back to PRN -- and have loved being with my children more. Even PRN, though, I was treated unfairly -- so I quit that job. :-) I'll be looking for another job -- but will take my time and look for the best possible environment.

Since all this has taken place, I've noticed some nursing articles come out about workplace bullying among nurses. The first article I read was like looking at my own job. Interesting...

Thanks again for all your feedback. You guys really helped me keep going when it was at its toughest!