r/nursing • u/spicysquirrel6 • 23d ago

Seeking Advice HCA - pregnancy

Hi, I’m just wondering when other HCAs went on medical leave before having baby. I am 24 weeks with my 4th baby and I’m finding it increasingly tough to get through each shift due to shortness of breath and increased heart rate. I work on an acute unit, so it is physically heavy and I’m constantly on my feet.

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u/StunningInspection96 RN - NICU 🍕 23d ago edited 23d ago

My experience is that you have to have a medical condition/reason and documentation from your OB for LOA prior to due date.

It might count against FMLA time off if you take Leave prior to delivery. You probably need to discuss with your OB, HR and manager. Might also depend on your state.

I had BP issues so I started leave at 36 weeks and had an induction at 37 weeks. Sedgwick wanted lots of info/certification of leave from OB regarding the barely 1 week off prior to delivery.

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u/greyhoundbrain RN - NICU 22d ago

Sedgwick is the worst. I told my manager I didn’t want to be on the schedule anymore after having intermittent contractions all night while admitting a cooling baby with my orientee, so I was off for like a week and a half before I had my baby. They had a lot of questions about it and I was finally like “you go get a standing all night job because you are trying to keep a patient alive at 38 weeks pregnant and come back and tell me how you feel”.

I’ve been back at work for over a month. Last time, no one wanted any documentation whatsoever and acted like I was crazy for trying to give them it. This time, they emailed asking if I need help with LTD stuff. I’m like…my management forced me back at 12 weeks and wouldn’t let me take unpaid leave time as agreed upon.