Q: I am a solo physician and have just two employees. One of my employees is pregnant — apparently a high-risk pregnancy. She keeps calling me at the last minute to tell me that she isn’t feeling well and won’t be in that day, which leaves me stranded. I have told her that I need her to be present every working day. She suggested I hire a third employee to cover for her when she is out. I cannot do this financially. What options do I have to have my office permanently staffed? May I, or when can I, safely terminate this employee? I have not been satisfied with her performance anyway.
