Maternity leave is an essential benefit for working mothers, including nurses. Taking time off for childbirth and bonding with a new baby without sacrificing job security is vital for a better work-life balance. When preparing for maternity leave, nurses need to be aware of the benefits available through federal, state, and employer programs. This article covers these benefits while also addressing ways to best prepare for parental leave.
Understanding the Federal and State Laws for Parental Leave
The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) offers eligible employees unpaid leave (up to 12 weeks) without losing job security or employee benefits. Parents who recently had a baby (or fostered/adopted a new child) can take time off for various medical reasons, including childbirth. The law states that eligible parents must have worked for an employer with over 50 employees for at least one year and have accumulated at least 1,250 working hours during that time.
The Federal Employee Paid Leave Act (FEPLA) provides federal employees with paid parental leave. However, private employees do not have a federally mandated paid leave program. Still, many states offer paid and unpaid parental leave programs, and nurses should familiarize themselves with these programs’ eligibility requirements and benefits.
The states that offer paid parental leave include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, D.C., and Washington State. The length of paid leave varies by state and ranges from 6 to 12 weeks. Some states do not require the one-year employment prerequisite for paid leave.
How Long is Maternity Leave for Nurses?
Nurses are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity or parental leave through the FMLA, regardless of state residency. For paid leave, the length of time that nurses take off depends on their residence’s state and their income. If nurses do not meet the FMLA or state paid leave requirements, they may still be eligible for unpaid leave through their state or employer.
Preparing for Parental Leave as a Nurse
Parental leave requires balancing the roles of parent and working nurse, which can be challenging. Nurses can prepare for parental leave by following these four steps:
1. Know your employer’s parental leave policy: Nurses should familiarize themselves with their employer’s parental benefits, including whether they offer paid or unpaid leave. They should also determine how much time off they can take, how much pay they will receive (if any), and how the leave will affect their job security.
2. Prepare your coworkers for your leave: Discussing upcoming parental leave with your coworkers can help maintain a more trusting relationship. If nurses know when they plan to leave, coworkers may be more understanding and willing to cover for them while they make breastfeeding pump breaks or calls to check on the baby at home.
3. Discuss your return plan with your managers: Nurses should clarify with managers whether they plan to return to work full-time or part-time. This planning could include the days of the week they work or whether they will switch from day to night shifts.
4. Develop a support system when you return to work: Less than half of nurses who return to work reported having support for childcare and household duties, according to a Nursing Open study. Nurses can combat this by setting up a support system with coworkers or childcare providers.
Conclusion
Maternity leave is an essential benefit for working mothers, and nurses can benefit from taking advantage of federal, state, and employer programs. Understanding the eligibility requirements and benefits associated with each is an essential step in recognizing the benefits available. Nurses should also prepare early to reduce stress, gain support at work and home, and ultimately maintain a better work-life balance.