Problem
Scenario
A CNA has been on maternity leave for the past 10 weeks (about 2 and a half months). She just called and informed you that her mother has cancer, and even though it is not terminal, she says that she needs to take additional time off to be with her. Because it is summertime, the number of employees requesting vacation time is significantly higher than normal and you are already having difficulty making sure there is adequate coverage for those whose vacation requests have already been approved. You have already told employees that no additional requests would be approved because of staff shortages because of vacations.
How will you respond to this?
If the employee had called and informed you that it was her sister (instead of her mother) who has cancer and that she wants to take additional time to be with her, how would you respond?
1. How would the situation change if the employee had only been employed for 4 months prior to giving birth to their child?
2. Identify the applicable law/regulation that applies to that specific situation. Justify why the law or regulation is applicable to the situation.
3. Explain how as a nurse leader would address the situation and use the law or regulation to justify your response.
4. Explain the possible ramifications if the situation is not handled appropriately.
5. Family and Medical Leave Act (1993).