Travel Nursing Contract and Medical Leave

[mustangsjf]

I currently under a travel nursing contract with a new company. 3 weeks into the contract dates, I started having contractions and am currently on bedrest. Is there anyway to get out of the contract due to medical conditions or FMLA? My contract didn't say anything about medical leave. The company is currently trying to make me payback missed shifts even though I physically can't work. Any help would be great.

[NedRN]

Effectively, you are stuck with the downside of contract nursing. No benefits, and FMLA doesn't apply. The best you can do is negotiate for actual costs borne by the agency on your behalf, primarily housing. The reality is that you probably will not receive your last paycheck or two as the costs (or the penalties) will likely exceed the gross amount. Technically, you will owe them the balance, but the other fact of life is that they are unlikely to come after you with a summons. Ignore the pressure, change your phone number, and get on with your life. But you should try to settle - you do owe the money.