First, let me start by saying that I am not a prima donna pregnant nurse who demands my break at 9a and my lunch at 11:30 and extra staff in the room at all times. I just recently found out I am pregnant (8 weeks) and I have informed everyone at work. I try to do my job without any complaints or special attention however, some things have been happening lately that let me know that my job does not care about me at all!!! Firstly, I work mostly in Urology and when I found out I was a bit worried about the radiation exposure. After speaking with my managers, they assured me that I would be fine as long as I used my maternity apron and stayed in the control room if i could while they were shooting. Ok. So then, we had a patient come in with prostate CA and they were to do a radiation seed implant. Well, that's where I'm drawing the line! I am not going in on a case like that (especially when we have the staff to switch me with) I don't care how many aprons and shields they have. So they say ok (as if they have a choice) and tell me to just set the case up and when they bring in the seeds I can leave. Ok, I can live with that. So when the patient comes in, it turns out that they've had 6 of Versed and are 300lbs and myself and 1 other nurse are to transfer him to the bed. I doubt it. We patiently waited until our nursing assistant got there to help us with the transfer. Keep in mind, at this stage the chance of miscarrying is high on top of the fact that I am already cramping and spotting intermittently. Last thing...today they told us to make sure we look at the holiday call schedule because it has changed. Ok, my call was Christmas '10 so maybe they moved me back to Labor Day or something. Oh no. I am July 4, '09. EXCUSE ME?!?!? So I asked how my call was able to jump that far and I was informed that since a couple people (myself included) came off orientation, they put us in the rotation sooner and that my call would have fallen on Labor Day '09 and since I will probably be on leave then, they just put me on for July 4th and fair is just fair:down:. IMAGINE THAT!!! Me at 33 weeks and 5 days on call on a Holiday that I am likely to work 7a-9p with just me and 1 tech!!!!!!! I am not happy about that and they have not heard the last of me. I am just so ******. All that just lets me know that they are not concerned about me or my child's welfare. Well newsflash! I am concerned!!! My blood could just boil right now. What do you guys think? Am I overreacting? What would you do?
I'm sure your hormones have you 'boiling' more than you would be normally, so try not to say anything in a harsh tone to your coworkers, or employers!
I can see your point on some issues, then again...
As far as lifting patients, there should be a policy for ALL employees, not just pregnant ones. We have roller bars, the doctors/residents, RNs, and anesthesia helps to move the pts. If more help is needed, we call overhead and ask for lifting help to that room. The OR attendants, or other staff that is available come to the room to help.
My first pregnancy ended with a miscarriage and my husband asked my OB, was this caused by my heavy lifting. The answer was a resounding "NO". If you could end a pregnancy by lifting do you think there would be abortion clinics?
I cut down on my hours during my pregnancy and I put in 100%. I remember coming back to work and thinking how much easier it was lifting without my belly in the way.
I have worked in the OR for 2 pregnancies - I never called in sick for either one of the pregnancies, nor did I request special favors. My OB did not put any restrictions on me, therefore I worked just as hard & as much as a non-pregnant person. AS a matter of fact, it's actually helpful to the pregnancy to stay moving/active throughout. I was in labor at work and didn't even know it....5 hrs later the baby was born. I also had to work a a holiday - when I was 36 weeks pregnant & survived....it was only myself & a tech & we were very busy. As far as fluoro, wear a fetal dosimeter as well as your own, wrap around lead, & try to stay at least 6 feet away as much as you can. I was in a room that used flouro about 50% of the time and I had no problems. NONE.
All that just lets me know that they are not concerned about me or my child's welfare. Well newsflash! I am concerned!!! My blood could just boil right now. What do you guys think? Am I overreacting? What would you do?
You are 100% correct. As harsh as this sounds, many people do not care about anyone else. They care about themselves, their shift, their patients and the hospital cares about their business.
Asking for and requesting "special" treatment, for whatever reason, never goes over well. Well, that's been my experience anyway. The reality is, many people just do not care about your situation. Special tx almost always causes resentment and anger amongst everyone.
Now before you get upset with me, I will tell you why. Nursing requires a lot of teamwork. It becomes very frustrating when it seems as though everyone has an excuse for why they can't help or why they can't do this or that. Yes, even if the person has a legitimate excuse.
This is what I recommend: Get a note from your MD!! Have your MD explain, very clearly, what you can and cannot do. Then, your employer can make reasonable accommodations and people that you work with will be notified about your restricted duties. If your restrictions are too severe and interfere with daily work responsibilities, go on Family Leave. You might even be able to get Temporary Total Disability. Pregnancy is not a 'disability' per se, but perhaps the severe restrictions you are facing with your pregnancy make it one.
I'm curious. In your second post, you stated that your co-workers who are/have been pregnant, received accommodations that are not being given to you. Do you have specific names and examples? If you do, maybe you could bring this to the attention of HR. Fellow workers receiving special accomodations and special tx for the same condition that you have sounds like a bullying and hostile work environment.
Good Luck and keep us updated!! :redbeathe:redbeathe:redbeathe
Fun2, BSN, RN
5,586 Posts
I'm sure your hormones have you 'boiling' more than you would be normally, so try not to say anything in a harsh tone to your coworkers, or employers!
I can see your point on some issues, then again...
As far as lifting patients, there should be a policy for ALL employees, not just pregnant ones. We have roller bars, the doctors/residents, RNs, and anesthesia helps to move the pts. If more help is needed, we call overhead and ask for lifting help to that room. The OR attendants, or other staff that is available come to the room to help.