pregnancy liabilties

[yudenisr, BSN]

Hey everyone! I currently work for a private outpatient surgery center. I was wondering if anyone knows of any regulations regarding being a nurse and pregnant. my colleague found out she was pregnant a few months ago, and my manager made a huge deal saying its a huge liability for the doctor if something happens to her by accident (like a patient waking up from anesthesia accidently hits her in the stomach or something). She was even considering letting her go. I feel like she was being unfair because how many nurses work in the hospital that are pregnant until they are ready to pop? anyway, I found out that I am now pregnant (complete surprise!) , so I was trying to find some more information, and if this is indeed a liability.. thanks!

[ZooMommyRN, ADN, RN]

Sounds more like a legal question and we can't answer those. Congratulations though!! Talk to a local labor lawyer or do a little googling for your specific state.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Please understand, allnurses.com has policies against any member offering medical or legal advice. As stated above, you need to direct questions regarding medical conditions like pregnancy and liability to the appropriate authorities, e.g. your MD and a lawyer. Congratulations and best wishes.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Congratulations!

Of course we can't give you legal advice, but this is linked to the EEOC--not my own words. Pregnancy Discrimination Of course in an at-will state, things can get dicey since they don't have to give a reason for firing...but your NM was pretty clear why she was considering firing this woman.

In some instances, accommodations would need to be made: no assigning pregnant caregivers to pts with Herpes zoster infections or CMV, possibly not giving chemo (onc RNs weigh in here?), on my unit pts on "hazardous to handle" drug precautions are not assigned to pregnant/breastfeeding RNs or men who are TTC.

And of course if your provider puts you on restrictions, you need to listen to her/him. And if anything seems off, including persistent contractions even if they're not painful, you need to call your provider and ask for advice.

But in general, it's perfectly safe. You need to protect your own safety just the same as if you were not pregnant--pts sometimes get violent. Be aware of your space, don't stand in line w/ their feet (stand to the side) if they are belligerent, use restraints once they show intent to harm staff. Pay attention to your body mechanics (like you always should) so you don't hurt your back. I did have to dodge an elbow from a young guy who'd had a frontal crani for a tumor; I was aware of my space and kind of leaned forward and stuck my butt back to move my belly away from him.

I have five kids myself and worked up until delivery w/ all of them--like within 24 hours of going into labor. In fact w/ my 1 yr old, I was in early labor most of my shift, and he was born five hours after I clocked out. :) And I work with many sedated pts, or pts who have very decreased LOC from brain injuries/bleeds so are dead weight or who fight turns; I have to wheel my own pts in their beds down to CT/MRI with the CNA and RRT if on a ventilator. I was low risk so never had any issues beyond the normal aches and discomforts that any pregnant woman feels when she's near term.

But given your NM's history I would definitely arm myself with information on employment non-discrimination. And possibly seek legal counsel if you're very concerned and can afford it.