I'm pregnant and trying to keep my job

[anastasia158]

Your advice is needed.... I am a CNA at a LTAC hospital. I have been told that once you work at an LTAC you can work anywhere because it is so demanding...This is my first CNA job and I have been employed since 05/09/11. I am also a nursing student and will be finishing my LPN requirements this semester. I am now 13 weeks pregant and my employer is aware. The turn over at the hospital is extremely high. The categories of employment are FT ( 3 /12 hr shifts a week) PT ( 2/12 hr shifts a week) or PRN ( 2/ 12 hr shifts q 6 weeks). I have asked my employer if I can drop down from FT to PT. They are making a big deal about it and saying they don't know if they will let me as there are no PT openings available. My experience shows otherwise. They have allowed other students to drop down to PT with no consequence. They are desperate for employees. I am also going to me a single mom. Please help. The other day they asked me if I would just rather resign. What are my rights if any?

Thank you!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Please make an appointment with your HR folks and discuss this with them. You will need to do some advance planning for maternity leave, so you should do this anyway. According to Federal law, pregnancy is not a disability that your employer must accomodate. If you are unable to perform your job, you can be terminated.

I want to strongly advise you to keep a very positive relationship with your employer. They took a chance on hiring you as a new CNA, and you haven't been there very long. So, rather than trying to focus on your 'rights', I would advise you to make every effort to be the best CNA they have- they are much more likely to work with you if you are considered a 'good' employee.

Best of luck to you and your new baby.