Any experience with getting intermittent FMLA for chronic health issues?

[SarahB]

I've always been prone to bronchitis and now it's pretty much kicked my ass to the point of having full blown asthma. I'm a nurse, but the joys of short staffed hospitals mean very strict policies regarding sick time. For me, I'm only supposed to use 40 hours/year max before I can technically be penalized in some way (written warnings, loss of raises, etc.). I'm right on that line for two legitimate bouts of bronchitis acerbating my asthma to the point of where I've had to miss a few days in the last year and I need to get my ass covered here before I have a problem. I've fortunately always been a very healthy person and never had to face this stuff before.

I'm hoping my physician will be helpful here (she should be), but just wondering about others' experiences with getting intermittent FMLA for a chronic health problem have been?

[LeftyFingerPop]

1. In a prior life...

about 10 years ago, I was the Human Resources Manager for a small firm. The small size of our business meant that we were not subject to many of the FMLA rules...but here is what I remember about it.

Since you work for a hospital, I'm sure that your place of work would almost certainly be subject to the FMLA laws.

Assuming that the law has not changed, it seems like you would qualify if you feel that your illness is preventing you from doing your job. If your doctor supports you and is willing to write a statement to your employer, all the better.

From what I remember, your hospital will have to hold your specific job, or a very similar job, open for your return for a specific period of time.

FMLA is of course a tough decision, because of the lack of a paycheck. However, there is a reason the FMLA act was created...to offer the employee protection from firing should they need to leave their employment for a period of time.

Start by talking with your doctor, and also by researching the FMLA laws. Here is one link. Best of luck.

http://www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/

[Ptah]

2. If I understand, you have no sick days accrruing?

I hope you get the time you need.

:thumbsup:

[SarahB]

3. Oh, I have a good 90+ hours of sick time available.

There's just a sort of catch 22. To actually be able to use more than 3 days in a row or more than 40 hours a year, one has to initiate this. Crazy huh?