28 weeks pregnant, need to get another job

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Hi! I am 28 weeks pregnant, new to an oncology/med surge unit that is way understaffed/hectic. I worked for a year after passing my boards on a respiratory/med surge unit on nights at a smaller facility. I took this new position in July because I wanted to make the transition to days and the pay and benefits were better. I'm not kickong myself for making the switch. The 'support Staff' is not at ll supportive. I am constantmy tracking down the aides to do simple things like vitals, turning and positioning etc. Even just to get them to help me or end up doing it myself. I am still being assigned chemo patients even though I know i shouldn't have them. I was told in my interview that I would handle the med surge patients and that's not happening. In was also told I'd have 4 or 5 patients... rarely 6. I gave 6 and 7 everyday with multiple discharges and admissions. I literally don't have time to sit in 13 hours. I'm told to go to management for help and when I do i just get lectured and don't actually get help. I'm finding myself not having time to document and missing things. I'm at my wits end and feel like I'm losing my mind and am getting buried. I'm sorry for the whining I just never thought it would be this bad. Tomorrow I'm seeing if there's a possibility of me going back to my old position, just worried they won't take me back being 28 weeks along. I'm supposed to work tomorrow and thought of going in makes me cry. I was told by a coworker that If I do leave the facility not to give notice because they will "try to nail me" with something. It's not a good environment. 5 people have quit in the past 3 months. I just need insurance. Help! Ugh

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Doesn't hurt to try to contact your old manager and inquire about returning. I did something similiar, although I left for 10 months. They were pretty short staffed and welcomed me back with open arms. Unfortunately, hr had a requirement that employees who leave for greater than 6 months need to repeat much of orientation. Since you've been gone for a shotel tim, you may get to bypass this. Unfortunately, I don't know how leaving and coming back will influence qualifying for fmla or short term disability.

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Thanks for your reply. Ik I don't qualify for fmla but would get 6-8 weeks short term disability. My old facility let's you come back within a year without orientation etc. Ik they're understaffed just hoping they'll take me back knowing I'll be out in 3 months. At this point I honestly don't even care if I get fmla. I'd go back sooner and be happier because this new job isn't worth the stress hah.

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Specializes in Surgical, Home Infusions, HVU, PCU, Neuro.

Good luck! The facility that you are at now, make sure any communications you have with them is done in written communication and save your proof. Be respectful and blunt. The warning from the person telling you to just quit without notice is worrisome. Cover your bases so if they do try to "pin" something on you it doesn't stick.

Are you actually getting the patients that are actively receiving chemo during their admission? I was always under the impression that the nurse giving chemo had to be certified with special training. I could be wrong, but I don't think I am. I would be refusing those assignments, and would not back down, if that's the case, that places you and your baby at risk.

Hope you are able to find something that works for you and your family, best of luck.

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Thanks for your reply. I am getting patients that are actively receiving chemo. What they do is have two other certified nurses pass that med for me but I'm still in contact with the patient all day. I'm still technically in my probation period until October 9th. I haven't even slept yet and am supposed to be there in 4.5 hours. Honestly weighing calling the nursing supervisor now and seeing my doctor tomorrow and taking my chances. I can't do 13 hours with no sleep. Ive been up crying. Just feel like a nervous wreck. I don't know that I could physically make myself drive there.

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Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.

Just make sure they are providing you with whatever PPE is appropriate per your facility policy for when you are handling your chemo patients' bodily fluids. At my old job we didn't give chemo patients to nurses who were pregnant or attempting to get pregnant. Frankly, I don't think it would be unreasonable for you to approach your management and tell them you refuse to take chemo patients.

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Thanks for your reply. I am getting patients that are actively receiving chemo. What they do is have two other certified nurses pass that med for me but I'm still in contact with the patient all day. I'm still technically in my probation period until October 9th. I haven't even slept yet and am supposed to be there in 4.5 hours. Honestly weighing calling the nursing supervisor now and seeing my doctor tomorrow and taking my chances. I can't do 13 hours with no sleep. Ive been up crying. Just feel like a nervous wreck. I don't know that I could physically make myself drive there.

Your OB will get you an excuse. Don't know what an excused absence means in your probationary period... and does it really matter? Try for an excused absence simultaneous with your 2 week notice.

All you can do is apply at your previous position and hope for the best.

You are pretty fragile right now. Take care of yourself and the newbie.

Best wishes.

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