Modifying tasks when pregnant. My boss says "no".

[RNnik07]

Has anyone else had to modify their tasks at work for being pregnant?

I'm an RN in General Pediatrics & Pediatric Oncology and my OBGYN wants me on "light duty" at work for my pregnancy and I told my boss about this, I have a note and all from the doctor too. My boss told me there is no such thing as light duty for pregnant women and that I'd either have to be on maternity leave or not, however I've seen on several occasions that they assign light duty to others who have had a sprained ankle or wrist or who have hurt their back. These women have been assigned transport or come in to help with admissions or just to walk through the units to help the other nurses out.

My position is such that I can be on my feet for literally up to 12.5 hours at a time. There is a lot of heavy lifting (which I've been avoiding), a lot of running, and extreme stress as I'm sure many of you can relate to! To top it off I work over-night and have always had a hard time sleeping during the day.

I don't want to push the issue of "light duty" with my boss but I feel like I'm being treated very unfairly. I found a government website stating "If an employee is temporarily unable to perform her job because of her pregnancy, the employer must treat her the same as any other temporarily disabled employee. For example, if the employer allows temporarily disabled employees to modify tasks, perform alternative assignments, or take disability leave or leave without pay, the employer also must allow an employee who is temporarily disabled because of pregnancy to do the same." http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/fs-preg.html

I'm really frustrated. I still have 3 months left before the baby is due and I was planning to work up to at least 38 weeks (unless of course my OBGYN wants me out earlier). I wanted more time off with the baby and I am so upset about this. I don't want to hurt myself on the job because my boss won't help me to modify my tasks.

[RNnik07]

Thanks so much Angel@mytable. I'm feeling like I'm ready to come out now... I have another doctor's appointment on January 1th which my OBGYN said he would probably end up taking me out on that date. At this point I'm kind of hoping he does... but until then I want to be treated like all of the other employees who have worked through temporary disabilities! Just 3 more shifts that I have to work before my next appointment so I'm hoping they are smooth shifts. My co-workers have been great but I've had it!

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

If I was you I would go off until seen by my doctor and decide if you are going to return to work during your pregancy or if you should just stay at home until the danger period has passed.

Clear liquid in itself during pregancy is nothing to worry about but as you say you may be copying your mother. Did the doct not do a spec exam to see the head of the cervix??

[RN1982]

If your doctor found something concerning why didn't you tell your manager about it? You should have been more clear.

[inshallamiami]

I know I will be flamed for this, but I don't understand why someone gets pregnant if they can't afford to take some time off either for your health and/or to raise the poor little thing? I dunno, when I had my child I made sure I was financially able to take care of her.

I apologize if this offends anyone, I just don't understand.

[dancingdoula]

I was sent home halfway through a shift and put on strict bed rest by my midwife at 28 weeks due to strong contractions that would not subside unless I was laying down. Three weeks later my midwife wrote a VERY SPECIFIC note about what activities I was allowed to do (including being on my feet for no more than 15 minutes per hour) and I tried to get a temporary position in the administration office doing filing, reconciling PIXIS meds etc... but there were already too many other RNs on "lite duty" so they had nothing for me and I was forced to go out on LOA. If you have complications and have to go out early, you still qualify for state disability. It's a pay cut and takes a good 6 weeks to get your first check, but I will be paid by the state until my child is 12 weeks old. The biggest bummer is I will lose health insurance after being out the first 12 weeks and have to pay COBRA for the end of my leave but the health of myself and my child is far more important than any temporary financial difficulties. Now at 36 weeks I'm going a bit batty sitting around all the time but the end and that perfect prize are near. As a NICU nurse I can tell you first hand it's way better to go out early and take it easy instead of pushing through and winding up with your precious little one as a patient! Good luck to you!

[D.R.A.]

To the PP, I don't think your question is uncommon. The fact is, though, life isn't textbook. Things don't always go as planned. And although I'm a planner, and worked through my pregnancies, including heavy lifting, we don't know if the OP planned to get pregnant, and it isn't really fair to expect other people to adhere to what we think is appropriate procedure with regard to planning to have a child.

I can say this, for most individuals, waiting until you can afford to not work for a year in order to carry a pregnancy is prolly not an option (0; Lastly, I'll leave you all with a favorite quote, "Be kinder than necessary. For everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."

Congratualtions on your upcoming arrival OP. I hope your health remains optimum, and that you are able to continue to work up until your 38th week. I also hope that you can come to some sort of understanding with your employer and those you work with regarding your situation.

Blessings!

[kitkat29]

It is sad that in a profession where we are caring for others, we are often not cared for in return. unless youre experiencing a high risk pregnancy Im not sure if your manager will budge on the light duty issue... if you get along well with your co-workers just ask for an extra hand with the heavy stuff.

[Scrubby]

Hmmmmm my attitude about pregnancy is that nurses should be allowed to work but other nurses who aren't pregnant should not be expected to 'carry them' and do all the heavy lifting.

If a pregnant nurse refuses to work in theatres where X rays are being done (we have lead aprons), refusing to scrub for long cases (so one nurses is left having to stand all the time) or help with transferring patients then I have a problem. We have many nurses in my unit with current and previous back injuries (including myself) and I'm not having my back put at risk because someone wants to have a baby.

[Scrubby]

Wow talk about no compassion. And from so many of you. I am speechless. I always wonder if this is from upbringin or is it just learned from nursing school and culture. I guess everyone deserves compassion accept the nurse. Your number 5 position, or lower on the list, as to who and what are most important in your life is clearly intact. I believe however it is one thing to not take care of yourself but advising someone to not take care of their unborn child either- WOW

Well guess these attitudes are just an indicator of why nurses tend to not be role models for good self care!

This post was obviously not directed at everyone but all I can say to the "your just preggers people" is WOW

Yeah that's right everyone else should just have to work harder, risk injuries because someone decides to have a baby. :icon_roll

[ONCRN84]

OP: Try talking to your manager again with details of what is going on. If he/she won't budge, try HR or employee health. If all else fails, go out until you see your OB again. Good luck! I hope your little one can cook for a few more months!

[Kylea]

I know I will be flamed for this, but I don't understand why someone gets pregnant if they can't afford to take some time off either for your health and/or to raise the poor little thing? I dunno, when I had my child I made sure I was financially able to take care of her.

I apologize if this offends anyone, I just don't understand.

Not trying to flame or anything, just reminding that not all pregnancies are planned. And those that aren't planned aren't all because someone forgot the condom or whatever; birth control failures do happen.

[chenoaspirit, ASN, RN]

When I worked at the hospital, my NM wouldnt allow us to work unless we could work a regular load.. no light load for ANY reason, which was really bad for some. One nurse came to work with 2 JP drains hanging out of her abdomen. She tucked them into her scrub pants so no one would know. She knew that if she told the NM, she would make her go home. So we all secretly helped her out with everything. If you are already having problems, then the health of your baby is most important. If I were you, I would stop working and ensure that I carried baby to full term. I had a placental abruption and my son died, I almost died. With my next pregnancy, I did not work because I didnt want to risk it. Maybe its best if you dont work now if you are already leaking fluid and have a family hx of preemies. But thats just my opinion.