Pregnant and just lost job!

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Dec 15, 2012

How long did you work for this employer? If you have been there less than 12 months and 1000 hours you are not entilted to job protection per the FMLA. Since you have been gone 3 months, it's understandable that your employer could only hold the position so long. How long have you been a nurse? How much work experience as a nurse do you have? How long did you actively work at this employer? Does the facility have another job that you can transfer to once medically cleared from you physicians? Perhaps not the same position but not make you a "do not hire/rehire" status so that when you are physically able you can return to a job. If you were working with medical benefits, though it's expensive, you should get a certified letter notifying you of your eligibility for COBRA benefit continuation.

If you were not working with benefits or the COBRA is cost prohibitive, contact your state's children's health insurance program as they will cover your pregnancy and your child's medical needs. You will need to go through social services if you have no income or limited income from temporary disabilty. (Most county boards of social services are empowered to fast track benefit applications for those who have lost work/benefits and are pregnant provided you come prepared with the proper documentation such as letter stating loss of job)

INFINITEERN · Dec 15, 2012

Just found out that i dont have a job to return to after i give birth. I have been out of work for 3 months due to high risk pregnancy and im currently 1 semester away from graduating with my MSN. What should i do? This is my first pregnancy and the NM is giving my spot away on night shift. Im so worried, no medical insurance, no job to go back to. Need some advice please.

I have been working there for 3 years. As soon as the FMLA was up they sent me a termination letter.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2012

If more people knew real treatment of nurses....they just might reconsider the profession.

I'm sorry you are going through this......

wish_me_luck, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2012

I understand this is distressing, but you did mention that you used your FMLA up and you haven't even given birth yet. It's expected for people to be out of work right after they give birth, so that could have been a consideration as well. The fact you used your time up and then, you would be out again after the birth. Like PP said, they can only hold the job so long until they need to find someone to fill it. Are you showing? I mean, if you are then maybe just relax and enjoy future motherhood and then, after look for work again. But, I guess if you aren't, then you can try looking for work, but then again, you are being deceitful if you don't tell them.

I would contact CHIP as well.

mama.RN · Dec 15, 2012

Sounds like possible wrongful termination.....google for more info and it's probably worth consulting an attorney.....this is what I found by googling "wrongful termination and pregnancy":

"Wrongful Termination Laws: Discrimination-- Under federal law, it is illegal for employers to fire an employee because of the employee's race, gender, national origin, disability, religion or age (so long as the employee is at least 40 years old). In addition to these "protected classes," federal law also makes it illegal for employers to fire an employee because she is pregnant or has a medical condition that is related to her pregnancy or childbirth."

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 15, 2012

Sounds like possible wrongful termination.....google for more info and it's probably worth consulting an attorney.....this is what I found by googling "wrongful termination and pregnancy":
"Wrongful Termination Laws: Discrimination-- Under federal law, it is illegal for employers to fire an employee because of the employee's race, gender, national origin, disability, religion or age (so long as the employee is at least 40 years old). In addition to these "protected classes," federal law also makes it illegal for employers to fire an employee because she is pregnant or has a medical condition that is related to her pregnancy or childbirth."

Unfortunately, she CAN legally be fired if the employer can prove they'd fire a non-pregnant person for the same reason. No, she can't be fired because she is pregnant. However, the employer could argue that her excessive absence (beyond FMLA) is an undue hardship for the company, especially if that's how they dealt with other non-pregnant employees who took too much sick time off. Her excessive absence--not the pregnancy--would then be the reason.

Fair? Not always. Reality? Yes.

OP: I agree that it may be worth talking to a lawyer to see what your options are, especially since you got the letter right after FMLA ended. However, don't expect your pregnancy to guarantee that you'll get your job back, or that it'd be insurance for the next job that you get before you give birth. Pregnancy is not bullet-proof job security.

I'm sorry if it's not what you wanted to hear....and lest you think I'm unsympathetic, I'm in my third trimester as I type this. I've made it a point to stay on top of what this means to me at work and what my options are/would be after the birth or if problems should arise beforehand. I've been fortunate so far in both work and pregnancy, but that can easily change. So I do understand your frustrations and fears.

Best of luck with the remainder of your pregnancy. Ultimately the health of you and your little one is far more important.

damrcngrl95 · Dec 15, 2012

I "resigned" from a teaching job for the same reason.... Excessive absences. I did understand because my students deserved a teacher that could be there consistently. It didn't make me feel better and I still felt singled out. Some states will let you go on disability and let you collect unemployment. If I were you I would work on unemployment and getting on Medicaid. Then get yourself healthy during this time and work on finding a new job. Be honest in the interview and explain that due to a temporary health issue that you were let go. Show that you understand why the company felt they needed to let you go. I did this for an interview as a teacher. I explained that I understood that the children needed to come first. I was still upset that my old school and I couldn't work something out, but I had to just let it go. I ended up getting the job and my boss told me that it was my honesty and the fact that I didn't try to hide it or blame the other school. She was a great boss and so of course the military moved us the next year. Lol.

Right now you priority is having a healthy child. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I have mentioned in the past that I work from home using my teaching degree. I know of a great website that has professional work at home jobs. They have some for RNs too. It is against the rules to put it out, but you are welcome to PM me and I will be happy to give it to you. Maybe you can find something to help you get by until you get another position.

Enthused RN, BSN, RN · Dec 15, 2012

I used to work in disability insurance and saw this all the time with disabled and pregnant employees. Once the 3 months under FMLA is up, your job is no longer protected. It was the usual policy with all companies, hospitals, etc to terminate an employee after the FMLA period is up - it's NOT because they want to cause you pain or they're mad your're not at work. There is no discrimination taking place. It's just a fact of life in the US. Other developed countries get 6 to 12 months of protected job leave for reasons like this but we do not live in those countries. I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I only hope when I am pregnant or sick that I am not out of work for more than 3 months because I'm sure this is what would happen to me too. Perhaps you can reapply to the hospital? It sounds like you were simply let go because your FMLA ran out versus job performance issues.

nurseandmomoftwo · Dec 15, 2012

That happened to me in a way. I was on maternity leave and when I called to say my dr had released me, I was informed they couldn't hold my position and they didn't have any need for another nurse (meaning me). It sucks and I'm sorry to hear another hardworking nurse has been pushed over. I hope things get better :)

Sun0408, ASN, RN · Dec 15, 2012

Apply for medicaid, finish your MSN and after the baby is born job hunt.. Its not easy and it may not be fair but it happens. There is help out there. Good luck to you and the lil one :)

INFINITEERN · Dec 16, 2012

Thanks everyone for all of your comments. Unfortunately thats the reality of life in the U.S. I love, love being an RN and didnt think this would happen. A coworker told me that the NM was talking about " making it her business to not have me back on HER floor" Mind you 3 ppl left while i was out, including a new hire.I am just worried about not having any medical insurance while i give birth for my LO and I. That was my main concern. I will google medicaid and CHIP. Im gonna focus on finishing my MSN and enjoying my LO when he gets here:)Thanks guys, I needed the support.