Oncall whilst pregnant

RE: Oncall whilst pregnant

Katherine Spear — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 22:13:04 GMT

As well as lifting/restraining and the issues with iso etc (not just refilling and guineapigs etc but also monitoring recoverys in kennels to think about...) dont forget to wear gloves when handling/dispensing meds if you dont already. Im just remembering how many things there are to think about in when pregnancy!. My practice was super supportive and its such an important time I hope you can put yourself and the baby first and your practice can be supportive :)

RE: Oncall whilst pregnant

madelinepikevn@aol.com — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 10:02:08 GMT

A risk assessment is not optional, as posted above I would use the HSE webiste for information and they also have templates.

I would suggest you start a risk assessment and take this to your boss, as this is taking ownership of the situation and ensuring you have done all you can to protect you and your baby.

RE: Oncall whilst pregnant

r-more — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 22:36:27 GMT

The HSE places specific requirements on employers of those expecting http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg373.pdf

RE: Oncall whilst pregnant

Selena Carnell — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 21:12:45 GMT

never had a risk assessment with my pregnancy, luckily the other girls and vets were sensible with me and wouldn't let me lift anything bigger than a jrt

RE: Oncall whilst pregnant

r-more — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 21:17:27 GMT

The risk assessment should have been done virtually immediately once you'd informed your employer. I'd seriously suggest you look into the relevant legislation and your rights on this issue as quite frankly your employer seems to be acting like a complete a**e!

RE: Oncall whilst pregnant

VetNurse Anon a/c — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 20:46:49 GMT

Thank you for the replies i do appreciate it, i have asked for a risk assessment but it still hasn't been done

Will just have to see how it goes for now but i will refuse to do anything if i think its dangerous for me and the baby

RE: Oncall whilst pregnant

Katherine Spear — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 22:27:17 GMT

Definitely dont be risking your baby, you cant be assisting with guinea pigs like that, or lifting huge dogs, there must be something that can be done like having one of the bosses or other staff members on a second on call for things like that, or maybe the owner can help in many situations?

RE: Oncall whilst pregnant

ereveley — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 22:37:09 GMT

I carried on with on call and weekends until 36 weeks but always had a student nurse with me. You should have risk assessments done to avoid you being put in difficult positions.

RE: Oncall whilst pregnant

Selena Carnell — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 10:44:32 GMT

i stopped night duties and on call at about 25 weeks, to be fair my work were very good.

RE: Oncall whilst pregnant

Katie Mack — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 21:39:13 GMT

I was lucky enough/well enough to undertake my nights until 36 weeks pregnant but I did have a 'second on call' as suggested above. (But incidentally, I only ever needed to call them in once during the whole pregnancy!!) We took extra steps like tubing animals which may have otherwise been done under masked anaesthesia etc. If any large in patients required lifting/manual handling, I would either leave until further staff came in or call vet in/ second on call....

You def need to look after yourself and this should always be a priority - especially as we are in a job where risks are pretty prevalent.... - you need to make sure you don't undertake anything which may cause you or your baby harm.... It's just not worth it!!

RE: Oncall whilst pregnant

loobylou — Thu, 04 Jun 2015 22:46:35 GMT

We currently have a pregnant RVN in practice and she is still doing late shifts including on call. However we always have another RVN as second on call who she can call in for any anaesthetics, very heavy dogs etc. She will currently still do any through the night/ medication checks. We will need to reassess this as we go along ano she gets further along in the pregnancy.

The team of nurses decided that she would come off the weekend rota and we would take the extra weekends instead of working second on call.