Workplace rights for NP?

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If anyone can give me some information out there, I would really appreciate it. I work in a weight loss clinic and mainly prescribe phentermine. I have worked there for 2 1/2 years and the atmosphere of the office was always very positive. My supervising physician was always very supportive of us and if we had a dispute over whether a certain pt was appropriate for phentermine or not, he would always let us make the decision for ourselves whether we wanted to prescribe to a certain pt or not. In the past 6 months everything has changed. It might be something that has nothing to do with us (like something in his personal life), but he has adapted this "my way or the highway" kind of attitude. If I feel uncomfortable prescribing phentermine to a pt because of something in that pt's previous medical history, and he does not agree with it, he pretty much says that he knows better than I do (bc he is a physician), and if I don't like it I can just get a new job. In fact, he said that very thing to me about 3 days ago. I should also tell you that I am 7 months pregnant, so even if I wanted to get another job right now, I couldn't (or it would be VERY difficult). Do I have any rights here? I work in an "at will" state, so I think he can pretty much get rid of me for any reason. I should also tell you that I am not a troublemaker (other than trying to stand up for myself when it comes to doing something I feel uncomfortable with), and I have a good work ethic, and everyone in the clinic likes me. There is really no reason for him to be trying to get rid of me other than this issue. Any advice would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

If you're receiving medical insurance through this workplace, I would stay the course for the next few months so that the baby's birth is paid for. Soon after the arrival of your child, I would secretly and quietly search for another place of employment.

Of course, you could always approach the physician privately to see if anything is occurring. If you're so very fortunate, he might divulge something.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

If you decide to take maternity leave and then look for a new job, I encourage you to research your employer's Family and Medical Leave Act policy in advance. If an employee utilizes employer benefits during family and medical leave, but then fails to return to work in a benefits-eligible position for a specified period of time (6 months, I think) the employer can bill the employee for the cost of those benefits. Not all do, but legally, they can.

So if you think you may not return to your employer after your maternity leave, you may want to consider using your husband's benefits.

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Congratulations on your pregnancy!

If you decide to take maternity leave and then look for a new job, I encourage you to research your employer's Family and Medical Leave Act policy in advance. If an employee utilizes employer benefits during family and medical leave, but then fails to return to work in a benefits-eligible position for a specified period of time (6 months, I think) the employer can bill the employee for the cost of those benefits. Not all do, but legally, they can.

So if you think you may not return to your employer after your maternity leave, you may want to consider using your husband's benefits.

You only have to work for 30 days for the return to work rule. After that you are free to go. On the other hand you have to have 50 employees for FMLA to apply so it probably doesn't here.

From the department of labor (caveat I am not a labor lawyer nor do I play one on TV. I don't stay at Holiday Inn):

An employee who returns to work for at least 30 calendar days is considered to have ``returned'' to work. An employee who transfers directly from taking FMLA leave to retirement, or who retires during the first 30 days after the employee returns to work, is deemed to have returned to work.

David Carpenter, PA-C

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Hi Kim, I just want to say I also work for a healthy weight center and Phentermine is among the meds that we prescribe. I am fortunate to work with a great team, nice doc, nutritionist and med asssitant. Most of the time the doc is not on site at the satellite office where I work but stops by peridically to be available for assistance.

In your case I would have a meeting with the doc to make sure you are on the same page regarding the prescribing of appetitie suppressants. After all there are guidelines and criteria on prescribing these meds not just personal opinion. I do think it is kind of harsh for the doc to assume a" because I am the doc atitude". That would make me feel very uncomfortable.

Also congrats on your pregnancy. I hope you have some good time off.

I have not met any other NP's working in this capapcity and would be interested to see how things turn out for you. Keep in touch.

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