Hi everyone. I haven't posted for a while...but I could really use some advise right about now :) So I am almost 7 months pregnant, and I am having some " issues" at work. With all of the talk and concern about swine flu...I am starting to get myself a little worked up, worried, and confused. I am a dental hygienst for a small practice. A couple of days ago I briefly mentioned to my boss that I am not comfortable seeing patients who are clearly sick. He honestly looked at me like I was crazy and told me that he will not refuse any patients, sick or healthy, due to the economy making our practice slower than usual. I responded with showing him some infomation from the CDC about swine flu symptoms, pregnany women being at high risk etc. He told me I have a paranoid attitude, and that he will permanently replace me if need be. He told me I have 6 weeks TOTAL to come back to work, and since our practice employs under 15 people...the maternity law of 3 months does not apply. I wasn't planning on working until I go into labor....but apparently if I don't I will have less time after the baby is born....and I REALLY don't want to see any sick people. Yes I wear a mask, and gloves, and disinfect the room properly....I guess I'm just really nervous...and scared....and I don't even know if I want to get the swine flu shot due to how quickly it was manufactured...ECT....I did however get the seasonal flu shot. UGH.....any advise would help at this point!!!
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advise needed...work related!
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T.T.M I think your bosses attitude is thoughtless and that your dangers in being exposed to sick people in this type of work is quite high. Have you spoke to your Dr. about this? I have heard that the risks for pregnant women are quite high and I think I'd call your doctor right away. You may possibly have a legitimate case against your employer with the labor board. Please keep us posted.
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I agree. Your employer's attitude is thoughtless. I've seen quite a few people get sick recently and they weren't in good shape. Thankfully none of them were pregnant. I'm thinking you have every right to be alarmed and concerned. It's a shame your boss acted the way he did. I would certainly ask your doctor what he/she thinks. I ask the doctor everything.
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Thanks Karenopa!! I did call my Dr and he just urged me to get the swine flu vaccine. And I am just not sure I want to get that vaccine...you know. There have been no babies born to women yet who have gotten the vaccine...so theres no way of telling possible risks to the baby. I really would just quit at this point, but I feel bad putting all of the stress of $$ making on my hubby. But....My hubby tells me to quit and we'll make it work. I just don't know. This is all so confusing...I really just want whats best for the baby! You know :) Thanks again for your advise!!!
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Thanks wolcar...yes my boss is handeling this very poorly....his mind is clearly on himself and his money....he said I was being unrealistic because a stuffy nose patient could mean a reg cold, or sinus infection, or allegies, and thinks its rude to send them away based on the syptoms being so close to swine flu.....I think its rude for the sick patients to even come in!!!!!!
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As a nurse, I find it irresponsible that your boss has not established a policy about not seeing patients who are ill. If everyone would just use common sense and stay home when they are sick, then we could curb the spread of the flu - swine or otherwise.
Posted 2 years ago by WillowandWindismom #
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I agree that it's foolish and irresponsible for patients to show up when they're sick. It puts too many people at risk. T.T.M I've given thought also to what's unknown as far as the vaccine affecting the baby. Your husband has a great attitude here and obviously loves you and your baby. Protect your unborn child because often times the so-called health experts only see you as a statistic. Follow your instincts and best of luck to you with your pregnancy and upcoming bundle of joy.
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Get the shot, it is killed virus not live.
Posted 2 years ago by ailuromaniac #
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TTM, I too am shocked at your bosses reaction! If anything (God forbid) would happen he could be held liable for refussing to take additional precautions and see that everything that could be done to avoid exposure was done. That said, TTM you too need to see that you do all you can do to avoid this and I know many are hesitant, but your dr. recommended that you get the shot. You fit in both catagories, pregnant and health care worker that urged to get the shot ASAP.
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TTM...Oh do I have stuff to say...
First off all...Get out of there...why? well...I worked for a Dr. just like that and let me tell you, I was also caretaker for my mother, when she had a stroke one day, he told me to choose between him and her...I chose her. If he is giving you difficulties now..imagine when the baby is here and you have dr appts for him/her or they are sick. If you and your hubby think you can make it work, do it. You will be more relaxed for the baby and might even be able to really be there for him/her while off of work.
Secondly, what a jerk for calling you paranoid about this flu. I worry about my kids and myself as well. You who see patients every day and are in their Mouths and you are pregnant have a right to be paranoid..what if a glove rips? What if the mask tears?
((TTM)) Your first responsibility is to your baby and to you...Tell the Dr..well..never mind..it's unfluffy..but I would rethink employment.
Can you tell I am a bit worked up? lol..sorry...Posted 2 years ago by cricketsmama #
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Thanks everyone for giving me your thoughts and advise. WWM - being a nurse, what are your thoughts on the H1N1 vaccine....I was scared to even get the seasonal flu shot due to presevatives, links to autism, and such...but I did actually get that one. Karenopa - thanks for your support :) I will keep you updated on everything!! 2BP- I know, I fall into both catagories!! Ugh....this is making me NUTS!!!!!!! CM- I completely agree about what my boss will do next after the baby is born. He is in his 60's and the office manager has been there for 20+ years....sometimes I feel ganged up on! And that is horrible what your boss did to you...shame on these bosses for having no compassion!!! my husband and I were contemplating him staying home and me working full time
( tear) because I make more....but I just don't know.....I want to enjoy this pregnancy, and so far my work has gotten in the way!! But I'm pretty sure we could swing me not working until Madison ( yep it's a girl!!!) comes Last week of Jan....and a couple months after that too.....hmmmmmm I really gotta get this figured out soon so I stop stressing!! You are all the best!! Thanks so much for your help!! -
T.T.M., you really should get the shot, seeing as you've indicated you
feel you should work before your delivery as you'll have less time afterwards.
Your boss' attitude sucks garbage, and were I there with you, I'd personally tear him a new one (okay, enough of the unfluffiness...lol)
I will hold you in my prayers T.T.M., it's nice to have met you!sPrOiNg! =)
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TTM, there are many variables as to whether or not a person should receive the H1N1 vaccine. I think that the best approach is for you to consult your OB doctor who will know all of your medical history and would be able to give you the best advice. I know that it's rather frightening either way. Personally I think that the vaccine is safe, but the operative word there is "think". We really don't know a great deal about long term effects. Of course, we do know that the flu can be equally dangerous. That's why I think your doctor is the best person to advise you.
And really, there just is no such thing as a teeth cleaning emergency! Your boss should establish protocols for your office as to when patients will not be seen. Perhaps the office manager could send a letter of explanation to the patients. If they are sick they don't need to be exposing everyone in the office to the flu.
Posted 2 years ago by WillowandWindismom #
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