Pregnant Locum?

RE: Pregnant Locum?

Emmie141 — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 20:30:12 GMT

We've recently had a pregnant locum at our work, she was a massive help and got stuck in in all areas. She started locuming after she found out about the pregnancy and my boss didn't mind taking her on at all!

She had to work until she had saved enough to take her through maternity leave (although I think you still get the government allowance) and she's back working at our practice again now.

RE: Pregnant Locum?

jennyvetnurse92 — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:37:00 GMT

That's so kind Ali, thank you. I'll send you a message

RE: Pregnant Locum?

Alison Clare Hickman — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:35:31 GMT

Oh bless ya... you'll be fine, am sure!

I've got a friend who I write a VN Blog for - he's a recruiter for locum nurses and ever such a kind chap. I'm sure, if you call or email him and ask his advice he'd happily help. No strings, I promise! Let me know if you'd like his details.

Or, if you'd like, PM me with your questions, email and/or phone number and I'll ask him any questions you've got and reply to you myself. That way you don't have to brave the call yourself.

Hth

Ali h

RE: Pregnant Locum?

jennyvetnurse92 — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:28:20 GMT

I think I might have to, I'm getting in a flap just thinking about it

RE: Pregnant Locum?

Alison Clare Hickman — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:26:12 GMT

Hi,

Glad it helped! As you are not with an agency it might be good to sign up to one, maybe? I'm thinking that whilst trying for a baby / being pregnant perhaps they will have a greater success in finding practices that are accommodating? I know you won't get as much per hour, possibly, as they take their cut, but you might have some better options/protections? Maybe not... but if I was you, I'd make some calls to find out. Can't hurt!

Ali h

RE: Pregnant Locum?

jennyvetnurse92 — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:03:19 GMT

Hi Ali,

That was helpful, thank you :) I tend to find the work myself and I am self employed. I don't use an agency. I hope it doesn't turn out to be as difficult as I think it's going to be! Eeek

RE: Pregnant Locum?

Alison Clare Hickman — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 13:51:00 GMT

Hi,

Never been in the situation myself so my advice comes from a research / experience of others basis!

As you don't say on what basis you are working as a locum (self-employed and find work yourself, find work through an agency etc etc) there are some things that will or won't be applicable to your maternity rights.

If working through an agency, speak to them to see what they advise.

Also see...

https://www.gov.uk/agency-workers-your-rights/maternity-rights-for-agency-workers

If not entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay, see

https://www.gov.uk/maternity-allowance/overview

This is a useful website

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/maternity-allowance

As regards who will employ you as a locum whilst trying for a baby and then when pregnant, well that depends on the nature of the work you go for i.e. care when monitoring anaesthetics (escape of gases), no radiology, care when handling faeces, weight lifting restrictions, drug handling etc. The last locum I know of who was expecting opted to be a consulting nurse only - still exceptionally useful and still 100% employable. Just need to be up-front that a) you are currently trying for a baby and b) when you are actually pregnant - for your safety, your baby's safety and the happy compliance of the practice you are working for.

Hth

Good luck and best wishes!

Ali h