Feeling guilty about maternity leave

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

So I'm due 12/2 and wanted to work up until I'm 38 weeks pregnant. However, I'm scheduled to work thanksgiving and I'll be 39 weeks then. I notified the schedule committee of my request to be taken off the schedule at 38 weeks. However, I can't help but feel a little guilty. They will be short on Thanksgiving.... It not like I'll be vacationing somewhere on the beach so I'm not sure why I feel this way. Maybe it is just my hormones... normally I wouldn't care so much.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Do not feel guilty. In general, management feels not one single ounce of guilt when they cancel peoples' shifts due to low census, so you should feel no guilt for taking much-needed maternity leave. Your facility's staffing problems shouldn't be your problem while you are off.

Enjoy the baby and feel no guilt. They're only newborns once.

[JBudd, MSN]

I worked up to the last minute with my 2nd, including returning after a night of false labor.... what it did was make my coworkers really nervous, trying to do my work for me, not letting me have enough time to get out of my chair to go answer my own call lights..... they were relieved (loudly!) when I said I wouldn't be back the next night. Don't sweat it.... I fairly sure that even the worst staffers can figure out something between now and next November!

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

Thanks ladies for the reassurance !!!!! It was much needed!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You are experiencing a life changing event. No need for guilt.. only joy.

The little one is due around Thanksgiving.. enjoy your most special gift.

Congratulations on the birth of your child!

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

They have plenty of time to find someone to fill the shift.

Your priority is baby and yourself!

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

Management doesn't care about screwing people over schedule-wise or calling people off when they just got to the parking lot. I would not feel guilty at all. I plan on using up as much leave hours as possible for when I have a baby.

Don't feel guilty at all. You and your baby come before a job.

[RNperdiem, RN]

You might give birth before Thanksgiving and need the day off anyway. You are pregnant, not faking illness to get out of working a holiday. Let go of the guilt.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Thanks ladies for the reassurance !!!!! It was much needed!

Take the week!!!!!!!! First you may even deliver before then....2 weeks eight way is considered "on time". DO NOT FEEL GUILTY! Nest...check your baby room. Fuss and make things nice. Get much needed rest and sleep whenever possible...you're gonna need it.

ENJOY your new baby...they are only small once you will blink your eyes and they are graduating high school...trust me I know...((HUGS)

[GrumpyRN, NP]

From a male and a charge nurse point of view - get gone woman. The department will manage without you. Are you really fit to work? You will be tired. Your colleagues will be twitchy (I know I would be) and will try to cover for you anyway.

Enjoy this time - it only happens once with each child and as others have said, you may deliver early.

Next year you will be worrying about 'having to work on the little one's first birthday'. There is always something that interferes with work.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

there are MANY nurses who are Moms. Do not feel guilty. It is just your turn.

[llg, PhD, RN]

As a single woman with no kids who has had to cover for other people's honeymoons, maternity leaves, sick kids, etc. ... I say ... Do NOT feel guilty about taking it off.

If you were stretching your time off significantly, or faking illness, or breaking a promise at the last minute, or something like that ... then you should feel guilty. But you are not doing any of those things. You shouldn't feel compelled to work at 39 weeks and you are giving them plenty of time to arrange coverage for those shifts.

Take care of yourself and your baby -- and have a good, safe, Thanksgiving.