Maternity leave for an RN...

OC_An Khe · Dec 28, 2003

As far as a particular maternity law for RNs, I have never heard of one other then what the state law provides for any potential employed Mom. Every state is different in this respect.

Each employer can set its own maternity leave policy that is either equal to the general state law or gives better benefit then the law. Investigate each employer, look at union contracts, etc. as part of your future employment searches. Good luck.

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 28, 2003

I would wait and see where it is you wind up working after graduation. Laws vary and so do "leaves" ...generally they cannot take away your position due to pregnancy/associated time off, but dont' expect much in the way of PAY at this time. It would depend on your FTE status, how much paid-time-off (PTO in some places) you accrue and policies at the given place where you work. Were I you, I would save my pennies BIG TIME if you are planning 2 babies in 2 years working...you will need them. Pregnancy is just the beginning......wait til daycare expenses kick in. You may change your plans as time goes by so keep your mind and ears open.

Good luck to you! I wish you the best whatever comes and with the decisions you make.:kiss

ktwlpn, LPN · Dec 28, 2003

Originally posted by Sunshine78
Hello everyone-

What/ is there a specific rule for an RN and maternity leave? Upon completion of nursing school I plan on working for a hospital ( God willing) for 2 yrs- have a baby work for 2 more and have a second baby.
Any advice, tips, suggestions or experienced?
Do's or DONT'S?

All will be greatly appreciated
How long do you have off? Im in New York.

Seasons Grertings!
XO

Every facility has different policuies....Mine states you must have one yr of full time employment to qualify...I work with a preggie nurse now that will have to resign...Her job will probably not be filled due to the shortage and she will be hired back when she is ready but there is no guarantee that someone won't walk in and apply.......

Vsummer1 · Dec 28, 2003

What about the Federal law that gives you the time off for sick / adoption / childbirth and guarantees hire back? Of course, no pay is mandated during this time unless your employer offers it.

ktwlpn, LPN · Dec 28, 2003

Originally posted by Vsummer1
What about the Federal law that gives you the time off for sick / adoption / childbirth and guarantees hire back? Of course, no pay is mandated during this time unless your employer offers it.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 requires companies employing 15 or more people to treat pregnant workers the same way they treat other workers who have medical disabilities and cannot work...The Family and Medical Leave Act was passed in 1993...Under this law, you must be restored to an equivalent position with equal benefits when you return. However, the act applies only to companies that employ 50 or more people within a 75-mile radius.........................>You have to be aware of those loopholes.......In the state of Pa :an equivalent position" in nursing has been interpreted to mean "any shift" so they can stick you where ever they need you the most......all you can do is follow through with your leave, come back to work and then take action by notifying the board of Labor relations....Not exactly conducive to rest and recovery when you are worrying about what is to become of you....and who is going to babysit.....

Sunshine78 · Dec 29, 2003

Thank you all for the information.

I will look into what my future employer offers-

Thank you and yes I know planning ahead to have kids and who will babysit is something my fiance and I will have to deal with-

I wish I was 5 yrs old and all I had to worry about was what my Barbie was going to wear....

Thanks