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.