Work Update

Update on Work:
I have talked to the people in administration until I am blue in the face. The hospital administrator finally heard me out and told me I could at least apply for any of the other job openings at the hospital. There is one in Medical Records, but my hourly rate would be cut in half!!! We are not prepared financially for this kind of blow.

It seems to be that every option I have still shows me being pretty well "screwed". If I take that job, all of the sick time & vacation time I have accrued at the higher pay rate will be given back to me, when the time comes, at the lower pay rate. Maybe I am better off sitting on my behind and taking the paid time off at the higher rate until it runs out!

I am still exploring my options and my rights, before making a definite decision. I am leaving today for a Women's Retreat in NM, and will be praying through the weekend for God to make it clear on exactly what I should do.

Work Issues

I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted anything! I have been dealing with the morning sickness for so many weeks now, I tend to lose track on everything else.

Our 1st Doctor's appointment was October 6th. We had the 1st U/S and everything looked good. I am still amazed that there is really a baby in there! The doctor already told me that I could not do any heavy lifting at work or otherwise, so I needed to see if my employer could work on finding me "something else to do".

So, I worked a medic shift last Tuesday. I didn't worry too much about the shift because we had a 3rd person training with us and I knew I could get out of the heavy lifting and give myself time to talk to my boss. He came in towards the end of my shift and I told him of the doctor's restrictions. I don't know what I expected, but because I can't fulfill my duties now, I have already been pulled off the ambulance. He had to cover the rest of my shifts for October's schedule. He suggested I talk to the lady in Human Resources the next day and discuss my options with her. Since I work for a hospital-based EMS, we both thought there may be other job openings at the hospital in which I could work until I had to take maternity leave.

I went to HR the next day, she was out sick, but I was able to talk to her on Thursday. Maybe I don't understand how the Family Medical Leave Act works, but it was my understanding prior to talking to HR, that I could take all of my accrued sick leave and vacation leave BEFORE I had to go on FMLA. She tells me I have to take it WHILE I am taking the paid leave. According to her, I will have 12 weeks FMLA for the remainder of 2008, and another 12 weeks in 2009. Well, that's all fine and dandy, except I only have enough paid leave to get me through 2008. The 12 weeks allowed in 2009 will only get me through March, I'm not even due until MAY! So I don't see how this will help me have a job when I get through having the baby.

My argument is that I am very capable of doing other jobs around the hospital, and if there is an opening in another department, why can they not move me to that department, even if I have to take a pay cut? I was told today that she did not have time to talk to me, but she would call me tomorrow. And oh, by the way, "the only thing I know for now, is that there will be NO transferring departments". WHAT? I have been employed there for 8 1/2 years, so I guess I just expect some kind of consideration for my loyalty and hard work. I will continue to "sell myself" if she will give me some time tomorrow. We know the Lord will take care of us no matter what, but I am just not ready to quit working so soon!

Do any of you know about FMLA? I am sure there has to be some legal protection for my circumstances.