I was denied a maternity leave.

[StephMatousek]

I'm a vocational nursing student at a trade school and was denied a leave of absence due to pregnancy. I won't even be put on a waiting list! Failed students have priority over me to re-enter the program! I ended the term with an 88%, my financial obligations are taken care of, and my obgyn even had written a letter to the school requesting I be able to take off the next term. The school said that I would be terminated! Does anyone have an experience similar to this, or possibly information that would help me appeal the school's decision to terminate me because of pregnancy? Also, does anyone in their opinion believe this is considered an act of discrimination? PLEASE reply. I really don't want to have to start all over again in another program.

[NoviceRN10]

And yes, abortion is usually an act of desperation on the part of the mother, and policies like this will encourage them. And hardworking, decent people can have unintended pregnancies that shouldn't totally derail their academic goals!

I don't think you can make such a broad statement like that. Abortion is a choice, but not always a desperate one. Some women get pregnant in a desperate attempt to keep a guy around. Every scenario is different. My school allows students to take a stop out for medical or personal reasons and you can get back into the program where you left off, when there is a slot open for you to do so.

[trepinCT]

I appreciate everyone's response.

The problem that I'm having is because the school HAS a leave of absence policy for pregnancy, military, or bereavement. It is stated the the school catalog and was explained to us during orientation. Being that it wasn't available at the school, I would have not applied there. I understand the space availability issue; however, I don't understand how a failed student would be able to take the seat in a class before me because I left in good standing- with all of my financial obligations paid and an 88% in the class.

maybe the failed student has had circumstances too..my mom had some major health issues this past semester and because she is a widow, i was the one who had to care for her and talk to Drs, nurses, etc..on top of nursing school, 4 kids..I nearly failed..I made it by, but if i didnt..should I get less preference than you? You see, the rules are in place because there are so many circumstances ..I hope things work out for you..when is your due date?? Like I said, i know people who had babies and worked it out with school...good luck..

[BabyLady, BSN, RN]

So if I am single and know a guy is messing around with other women, and I get a disease its my fault.

If I have sex with my husband knowing he's messing around with other women (and remember I must have sex with him because its the law), and I get a disease then its not my fault.

So basically couldn't I sue "The law" whomever they are for forcing me to have sex with my husband if it get a disease or an unwanted pregnancy. I apparently do not have a choice if I am married.

I think you are taking a very immature view of my post.

Notice I said that "sex is a legal expectation of marriage"....I never said that WOMEN must submit to a husband on damad or that a HUSBAND must have sex with the wife on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It is a mutual act of affection...and you CAN get a divorce based on the total lack of it.

If you don't believe me, then do some research, call up a few local divorce lawyers and ask them.

I never stated how often, when or where. Just that it was an expectation of marriage.

Yes, you can sue someone if you get an STD from adultery...it's called the spouse that had an affair.

Which is also, grounds for divorce.

That isn't what this thread is about. It's about women, as being the carriers of children, not getting bare minimum accommodations during nursing school. Not special considerations, but bare minimum.

[Atheos]

Well, we are back to choice... Getting married is a choice. If you CHOOSE to be married you have to deal with whatever that entails.

Still comes down to a choice.

[Jules A, MSN]

That isn't what this thread is about. It's about women, as being the carriers of children, not getting bare minimum accommodations during nursing school. Not special considerations, but bare minimum.

But expecting pregnancy to be grounds for a leave of absence and not all the many other legitimate reasons such as death in the family, illness etc. would be extremely unfair. We will have to agree to disagree that pregnancy isn't a choice. Even considering the rare accidents that happen when someone is properly using protection in my opinion getting pregnant and staying pregnant is a choice and as with most choices one that may require adjustments and/or sacrifices.

[Jules A, MSN]

I appreciate everyone's response.

The problem that I'm having is because the school HAS a leave of absence policy for pregnancy, military, or bereavement. It is stated the the school catalog and was explained to us during orientation. Being that it wasn't available at the school, I would have not applied there. I understand the space availability issue; however, I don't understand how a failed student would be able to take the seat in a class before me because I left in good standing- with all of my financial obligations paid and an 88% in the class.

Hi,

Sorry for the all the hijacks but it sure made for a lively exchange. :) So are you saying there is a written leave of absence for pregnancy in place and they are still denying you? What grounds do they have for denying you if this is the case? FWIW in my class who they let back in was totally subjective so if they liked you and as you said your average was good I'd bet you get back in anyway.

Good luck to you and congratulations on the little one.

[Princess_M83]

Policy is Policy. In the workplace or anywhere else Leaders can be STRICTER than written policy but never MORE LENIENT than written policy. I am very sorry that this is happening to you but as long as they are consistently following their written policy, you do not have much room for recourse.

Do what you must and reapply when you can. Your health is number one, school will always be there.

[BabyLady, BSN, RN]

I will say that with all the faults of my school...this is one aspect where they are very accommodating.

They have allowed students to make up clinical time during Christmas break and over the summer that have given birth...these students can make it to class ok, but our school will not permit you on the clinical site until you have a full release from a physician b/c of liability reasons...this is to protect the student and I think it's a good policy. As mothers, we have a tendency to push our health when we shouldn't.

All of our instructors work part-time at the hospitals, so it is not an inconvenience.

I did post something earlier that it must be treated the same as any other short-term disability.

However, I think the challenge that the OP is going to have...is if her physician had a medical reason for not wanting her to go to school or if it was a recommendation, "just because".

It's an important distinction, which may be why the OP is hitting a brick wall with the school.

[Princess_M83]

You are certainly right about the reasons that her physician wants her to delay school for being a problem. Where I work, we have had some women's physicians give them notes stating that they are to be excused from taking care of isolation patients simply because they are older physicians and that is what they are used to doing and what they were taught many moons ago. However, our policy (an common sense) state that as long as you use proper safeguards and PPE there is no risk. Sometimes the phsyician has no basis for such a request, but if there is a rationale for it I am not sure if that will help the OP to hold her spot in school.

[future_RN_May09]

I'm not sure whether my school has a maternity leave for nurses either. I was pregnant my entire first year, finish it up on time and everything. Never missed a clinical. There are ways to work around it.

I haven't read all the posts and not really sure if this has already been mentioned but u can do it. Nurses work all the time pregnant.

[Princess_M83]

HEALTH POLICY

The nursing student is required to meet the specific health requirements of each assigned clinical

agency. Proof of current immunization status and selected diagnostic testing such as tuberculin testing,

rubella vaccine or titer levels must be on file.

College and the clinical agencies are not responsible for any occupational hazards

encountered during the course of study i.e. infections, communicable diseases or injury. Students are

responsible for their own health care and health insurance throughout the nursing program. Students are

accountable for any illness or injury related expenses that occur during clinical.

Students who are pregnant or who have an altered health status must have written approval from their

physicians to continue in the clinical laboratory setting and must meet all of the stated clinical outcomes

with a satisfactory performance.

CLINICAL ATTENDANCE

Attendance in clinical laboratory is expected. All absences may result in an assignment. Clinical

absence in excess of the equivalent of 1 clinical week’s hours may result in an inability to meet clinical

outcomes and, therefore, failure of the course.

Prior to any clinical absence, the student must inform the clinical instructor before the scheduled clinical

time as directed by the instructor.

Punctuality and preparedness are expected at all times.

Instructors may refuse to admit students who are tardy.

The nursing faculty has the responsibility to refuse a student admission to the clinical area whose

preparation/performance is unsatisfactory. This will constitute a clinical absence.

Students may be restricted from a clinical area during a course for the following reasons:

A. In the professional judgment of the faculty, the student does not have sufficient theoretical

background to function safely and competently in the clinical area.

B. Failure to demonstrate competence in the Nursing College Laboratory.

C. The student’s performance directly or indirectly endangers a client’s safety and welfare.

D. The student requires supervision in excess of that expected for level of education.

E. Medically imposed restrictions.

Students restricted from the clinical area are considered absent.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

There is no Maternity leave in a PN program, per state law you can only miss a certain number of days. This applies to medical conditions and personal crisis. In my program we have an evening program which a pregnant nurse could join a later date.