Offered job at 7mos pregnant???

[liamssmile]

I am a labor nurse and 7mos pregnant. I recently interviewed for a float position at a big hospital where I am per diem. This is my 4th and last baby. It's a great position and I've waited for this opportunity although it's really awful timing. Wondering if I qualify for FMLA bc I am an employee albeit per diem? And how does one negotiate maternity leave when your are still on orientation?

Part of me is considering declining bc it is such bad timing but we all know how we kvetch once we finally get that offer!!

[elkpark]

"To be eligible for FMLA leave, an employee must work for a covered employer and:

• have worked for that employer for at least 12 months; and
  
• have worked at least 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to the start of the FMLA leave; and,
  
• work at a location where at least 50 employees are employed at the location or within 75 miles of the location."
  

The Family and Medical Leave Act - Wage and Hour Division (WHD) - U.S. Department of Labor

[liamssmile]

So not having worked 1250 hrs there, even though I have been an employee 12+mos w 50+ employees, I don't qualify for FMLA?

[elkpark]

Yes -- if you haven't worked at least 1250 hrs within the last 12 months, you're not eligible.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

So not having worked 1250 hrs there, even though I have been an employee 12+mos w 50+ employees, I don't qualify for FMLA?

Exactly.

You must meet all criteria to be eligible for federal FMLA.

Some states have family leave for newborn or newly adopted children (NJ is minimum 1000hrs in 12 months and the first few weeks are paid leave) Some states cover routine maternity leave under the state temporary disability plan. NJ is one such state. You need to meet minimum wage criteria to qualify in NJ and generally covers a few weeks prenatal and 6 weeks PP for NSVD or 8-10 weeks pp for c/s with OB or CNM certification.