I had other posts in the 40-something single moms...but here is another example of what I get at work. My 5 year old is sick. He had an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea and fever on Sunday. I gave him tums and imodium and he did better. Yesterday only one bout of diarrhea early in the morning. Woke up at 3:30 this am with tummy hurting and explosion of diarrhea again. I was scheduled to work in clinic. I called to say that I couldn't come in cuz of sick child--couldn't take him to care provider. That seemed to be a problem. I ended up having to have my 12 year old stay home from school to watch teh 5 year old. To top it off, only 1 of my scheduled patients showed up this morning, the others were no shows. :angry: I really need to find a different job. I never call in sick. Ok, I'm done ranting and raving.

They can't fire you from staying home with a sick child. Be firm. Tell them that you are NOT going to compromise the well being of your children. Your 12 year old has a right to his education and should not be held back to be nurse to his sibling. It's not his responsibility - he's a child. There's really nothing they can do PARTICULARLY if you don't have a high history of absences. They can ALWAYS find someone else. They HAVE to accomodate for their employees.

Tap into your union rep. Get all the facts. Next time they haggle you, clearly articulate your rights. You don't have to be mean about it as you don't want to ripple the waters but if they know you're aware of your rights, they can't touch you!

Be proactive. It's the responsible thing to do.

We do not have a union. The organization pretty much sets the rules. 1/2 of today's pts didn't show up. I will talk with one of the doctors tomorrow. In the mean time I am looking for another job. Unfortunately I would have to move. Looks like Maine or Washington are my best bets right now.

Mcd,
You have been questioning this for some time now. Maybe someone is trying to tell you something.
I would imagine you have a certain amount of sick days and so forth you can use. Sounds like you may need to let things go and just listen. The right answer will come to you.
Hang in there.
God bless.

2 many, I agree! Thank you.

There seems to be a high demand for midwives and alternative medicine in general in and Iowa City, Iowa. kDon't know how you feel about the midwest.
Fairfield, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids all have growing alternative medical practitioners, and the U of I, has 3-4 midwives on staff. Just and FYI.

Thanks for the info. Actually I have been on the ACNM (midwife) website. There is an opening in Milwaukee, WI--I am from that area. I applied and should be talking with the midwife there today or tomorrow. Also just talked with a doctor last night in California. So, I am getting my feelers out there. Trying to decide what to do. Wish I could see into the future and what the best decision would be.

I have applied for a few jobs! Have talked with a clinic in Maine and a doctor in Victorville California. The California one especially sounds good. Also one in San Diego. Still unsure about what I should do but guess I'll just see what happens. Heard from the midwife in Milwaukee, she was suppose to call me again today, and she didn't. Oh well. I guess whatever is suppose to happen will happen.