New job

[Chrislynnmsm]

I just had a phone interview for a position as a nurse in the OR at a new hospital. They are offering 8 hour shifts which is fine. My only concern is that I get Remicade infusions every eight weeks and follow up with doctors appts. so I would need to leave early or have a day off. Should I just be honest and tell them when I go in for a shadow day because I won't be eligible for FMLA for a year. Thanks.

[peabozzle]

If you are offered the job & accept it, just be honest with them regarding this need. I am a Team Leader for a busy OR & I am of the philosophy that we all have lives outside of the OR (or at least we SHOULD have lives outside of the OR) and there are times when the team has to "carry" another person for a shift, or a period of time while their life is happening. In return, everyone can expect the same consideration when their life demands they are carried for a time. It works well, and fosters team work among my staff. It really shouldn't be an issue, 1 time every 8 weeks.

[Chrislynnmsm]

Thanks for the advice. Currently where I work we are always told that patient care comes first which I understand but my health is just as important. I work 12 and 8 hour shifts just so I can get a day off now.

[peabozzle]

Well yeah, patient care should come first....duh. But we can't care for patients if we are sick. That mentality drives me nuts....we are not machines, we have to be able to have a life. Before I started where I am now, I had 6 straight months of 5 10 hour days a week. I was the only person that could do what I did, & because I am conscientious I "couldn't" take a day off. After I quit, they divided my job up among the patient care nurses & pretty much abolished my position. So the nurses that are doing the patient care got loaded up with administrative work to finish before they left every day. But no overtime! I don't get it