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Non stress test, need advice

apmomapmom member
in 3rd Trimester
Hey guys.  I'm 37 weeks.  I work for a school district that is laying people off left and right.  I'm a mom that needs to keep my job, largely for the insurance because my DH has a great job, but with no benefits.  Anyway, my OB just told me she wants me to have a couple of non stress tests prior to my scheduled C on the 19th.  She wants three.  The hospital only does them between the hours of 9-2 M-F, which basically means I have to take time off for them. I put in for the first one to be approved and the district turned it down, did not approve the time off.   I have had this problem in the past but have always been able to figure out a plan B with my OB.  She basically told me to do the stress test, and if it risks my job so be it, to basically call the district's bluff and no show without the day being approved.  Has anyone else been in this position before?  The fact is, I need the job, because teaching jobs are really hard to come by in my area.  But I would never, ever jeopardize the health of my baby to be and I really do trust my OB.  The reason behind the NST is preparation for the C-section.  Any suggestions?  If it comes down to it, I will take the three days off and see what happens, but this district has fired people for much less.  Thanks in advance for your advice and your patience with all my worry and stress...
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Re: Non stress test, need advice

  • oughtonkoughtonk member
    Are you eligible for FMLA type benefits? If it's for a medical reason I would think that your job can't deny you taking the time off.  I would talk to HR maybe and explain the situation.  I know most jobs are at will states but generally if you have a doctor's note stating the need for an appointment places won't fire you for it because it can come back on them.  

    If they don't let you take time for your NST that the doctor is requesting with a doctor's note backing up the need and something were to happen I'd think they'd be looking at a potential lawsuit if those tests could have caught something or prevented something.

    Sorry you're having to deal with this. I don't really know the laws but with my experience after being put on bed rest but allowed to work remote, my HR has taken everything my doctor has said very seriously. Talking to HR is probably a good step to take.
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  • apmomapmom member
    According to HR, I am not elligible because I have not taught in the district for a full year.  I started at the end of Aug.  Having the doc send in a note is a good idea, I will def try that. TY!
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  • mustanghollymustangholly member
    That's awful. I can't believe they won't let u go. It's about the health of your baby. Good luck.
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  • apmomapmom member
    Yea, it's gross.  Obviously, I'm looking for jobs elsewhere cause the admin doesn't make it the greatest place to work... But in the mean time it's the worst feeling. 
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  • amwenzamwenz member
    Not sure what you teach but my boss was accommodating with changing preps or allowing me to arrive when kids did instead of my required time. You could try to change a prep to be near a lunch or early morning to try not to miss the day. I'd also approach a coworker that's on prep to cover for me so no sub is needed. Trying to be helpful to the district sometimes gets you farther.
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  • foreverapartofmeforeverapartofme member
    Definitely get a doctor's note to back you up.  Also, how long does it take to get to your doctor's office? You could just use an hour or two of FMLA time to cover the time you will be out of the building.  I'm sorry they are giving you a hard time!  Also, I know that my medical practice allows you to go to the hospital later in the day for NST appointments.  Do they do NST at your doctor's office? I would double  check that and maybe that will help avoid any work issues. It just takes a few minutes for a nurse to set you up on the machine and 20 minutes of hanging out to get the NST done.  Good luck!!
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  • apmomapmom member
    Thanks ladies! Part of the problem is that my district is havin a huge attendance problem right now due to layoffs. On average in my k-8 buildinf there are 18 teachers per day who call off, that is basically 1/5 of
    The cert staff. And I teach in the inner city so it is hard to find Subs to come in. On most days in the last month, preps have been cancelled bc the prep teachers are covering other classes. Literally, my daughter (in other district) was sick the other day and my principal asked if i couldn't just bring her back to my school bc he couldn't find coverage. But the doc note may help... Ty!
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  • SeaBlue73SeaBlue73 member
    As PP shared, the tests can take as little as 30 minutes if they get you in right away & baby complies (stays awake & gives them enough baseline info).  Just be warned that it can take longer.  I found out the hard way when I had back-to-back doctor appointments and I ended up being late for my 2nd appointment due to the baby sleeping & not giving them enough baseline data. 

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  • askidaskid member
    I've been doing NST's for the past several weeks and twice a week. My boss has been very flexible as long as my work is getting done. I would get a doctor's note, and explain to HR it is for the health of your baby. As PP noted, it can take longer than 20 minutes. Almost all of mine have taken over an hour. Good luck!!
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  • BBColt78BBColt78 member
    apmom said:
    Thanks ladies! Part of the problem is that my district is havin a huge attendance problem right now due to layoffs. On average in my k-8 buildinf there are 18 teachers per day who call off, that is basically 1/5 of The cert staff. And I teach in the inner city so it is hard to find Subs to come in. On most days in the last month, preps have been cancelled bc the prep teachers are covering other classes. Literally, my daughter (in other district) was sick the other day and my principal asked if i couldn't just bring her back to my school bc he couldn't find coverage. But the doc note may help... Ty!
    @apmom I totally see your dilemma here as I am a teacher myself and school do not run anything like regular offices or businesses.

    As others said, get the paperwork from your doctor now. Call over there and ask him or her to write up the request for the NSTs. Then take that to your principal or Superintendent for Personnel (whichever makes sense for your district). Can you try to get the last dr. appointment of the day? Then you could almost teach all day and get out for your appointments.

    Teaching comes with guilt of leaving, but you have to work this out for you and baby. GL
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