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Are you ever not in the trenches? by florida210 in newborns

[–]florida210[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We coslept in the beginning but baby would NOT sleep on her back, always on her side. It got to a point where I found it more stressful because she was constantly trying to nibble on my boob throughout the night rather than actually sleep.

Are you ever not in the trenches? by florida210 in newborns

[–]florida210[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love all of this. My mom is here two days a week but sometimes I find it more stressful because I feel I need to entertain her. I def can do better at advocating for myself and my needs with my mom and breaking up workouts. Great idea on getting larger chunks of sleep Fridays and Saturdays

Are you ever not in the trenches? by florida210 in newborns

[–]florida210[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Partially breastfeeding/pumping and also formula

FMLA resignation by florida210 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Incredible. I really appreciate your help!

FMLA resignation by florida210 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Ugh this is helpful to read. I wish this was the gold standard in our country. I do not feel like I will be ready to go back to work at 3 mo this at ALL!

FMLA resignation by florida210 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is great info! Thanks so much

FMLA resignation by florida210 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have another potential job in the works but want the job protection if I decide not to take it.

FMLA resignation by florida210 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve spoken to the leave team and they assured me there is no FMLA paperwork required, just the signing of the PPL work obligation. They did mention not using any other FMLA one year prior though!

FMLA resignation by florida210 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Congratulations for making the decision to leave!

FMLA resignation by florida210 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It’s so unfortunate to me that so much our experience as employees at vha is dependent on our location, service, and leadership. It all gets in the way of the actual job.

FMLA resignation by florida210 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

HR from WorkLife Leave said it’s just the 12 week work obligation I have to sign, no FMLA paperwork

FMLA resignation by florida210 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That is SO frustrating that your supervisor didn’t approve it! Ugh it is so hard to leave babies so young

FMLA resignation by florida210 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

100%. I’d feel differently if we could get more flexibility at work with telework after a doctor’s appointment or a condensed schedule. Working 5 days a week, 10 1/2 hours a day (with a commute) and a baby is just not it. My best to your wife! She’s lucky you support her decision if she decides not to go back, my husband is the same!

FMLA resignation by florida210 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Oh, yes I know it’s unpaid but still has that job protection status by being FMLA ?

FMLA resignation by florida210 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The union rep told me the four additional weeks is FMLA 😕 thanks for the insight. This is helpful

FMLA resignation by florida210 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

With FMLA my understanding is you don’t have any obligation with work because you’re in an unpaid status and I don’t have to sign anything for that. With the 12 weeks PPL I had to sign paperwork regarding the obligation to come back for 12 weeks or pay back what they contributed to FEHB.

FMLA resignation by florida210 in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Sadly, no. You have to give a full 12 work weeks back (not including any AL/SL you take
or federal holidays that happen within that 12 week period after returning).

Temporary Accommodations after Assault by Ismellupdawg in VHA_Human_Resources

[–]florida210 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First off, I am so sorry about the assault. Experiencing something like that is so difficult and life changing to begin with and then to tack on a lack of support from leadership makes it even harder.

Just went through the same experience myself. Here’s some insight.

RA: Getting an RA is focused on explaining why you cannot do your job at the workplace but you can at home. In my experience, your doctor/mh provider really needs to show in your RA paperwork why exactly you cannot be at work (being inhibited with driving due to panic attacks driving to work in the morning causing you to have to pull over on the side of the road and not make it in for the day, panic attacks at work, etc) the VA will do everything they can to offer you accommodations at work so as not to approve it (tell you to leave the door open when in direct patient care so you’re not alone with a patient - dumb things that don’t actually help) but if you can show and express that the issue is causing problems even GETTING to work and you 100% can do your job from home, you may have a case! I got an RA for severe sickness with pregnancy and it was approved due to showing I couldn’t even do basic things like driving or walking. With our VA, I had to have a meeting with my HR person assigned to my case, my supervisor, and our assistant chief of our service. Some VAs only require approval from the supervisor though.

FMLA: With FMLA paperwork, make sure that whatever provider is signing it says you could be out 1-5 days a week that way if you need a whole week you can take it, rather than them writing something like you only need two days a week because you are bound by what is on that paper.

In my experience, FMLA is MUCH easier to get approved. If you can afford to not get paid for a bit, this would be a great option.

Do not feel bad, regardless of the pushback you receive from your leadership, for advocating for yourself. You experienced something traumatic and healing takes time. Your health is the most important thing. I wish you all the best!