Im a new hire and im pregnant

Nurses New Nurse

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Interviewed for a new job last week and was offered employment this week. I start next Wednesday. With all this going on I just discovered I haven't had a June period so I took a test a wow its +. I go to the OB on July 16 and I'm calculating I'm 5 weeks now and will be 8 weeks at my OB appointment..when and how should I tell my new boss...I'm worried ill get "let go". Any wise words or suggestions? You have to be at a job 12 months before you can get FMLA and I'm due in February... What about short term disability? I dont know what to do :-/ my friend who works in a different dept at this same hospital started when she was 15 weeks pregnant and got FMLA even though she wasn't there 12 months( she was there 5 months)...her department was fine with everything and she had no trouble! Hope ill be able to say the same..

Specializes in L&D.

I wouldn't tell them right away. I would wait until at least 12 weeks(which is normal for a lot of people anyway to make sure there isn't a loss). I wasn't a new employee with my 4th child, but I waited about 4 months to tell. They can't let you go because you are pregnant, but there's generally a probational period in the beginning and you can be let go during that time so I'd hold off until that has passed if you can.

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

Her department may have chosen to give her the time, but she did not have protection under the federal guidelines set out in FMLA. Try to save your PTO for your pregnancy; you never know what may come up while you're pregnant. You'll have to check with HR about whether or not a STD benefit is offered and if it is if there are any restrictions.

I got a medical leave, not FMLA because I didn't qualify for it. I didn't have much PTO accumulated so am living on savings during my leave. I agree to wait until at least 12 weeks to tell your boss. Timing isn't ideal bit it happens and you just make a point of working hard, being dependable, and getting along well with your coworkers.

Accidents happen and all, but I see so many of these posts. Did it ever occur to many a new grad that starting as a new grad RN is not the opportune time to put oneself in this position? Since when is pregnancy a disability?

Accidents happen and all but I see so many of these posts. Did it ever occur to many a new grad that starting as a new grad RN is not the opportune time to put oneself in this position? Since when is pregnancy a disability?[/quote']

Excuse you!

Specializes in L&D.

I have actually heard of women being able to use short term disability for pregnancy leave...but I'm not sure if there are certain requirements or if that may be related if there are complications relating to bedrest, etc.

Also, Congrats on the baby. While yes, timing is not ideal, it's reality and it will be fine.

Specializes in Transitional Nursing.
Accidents happen and all, but I see so many of these posts. Did it ever occur to many a new grad that starting as a new grad RN is not the opportune time to put oneself in this position? Since when is pregnancy a disability?

Most people wouldn't refer to their unborn child as an "accident". Who said pregnancy was a disability? I would think pushing a tiny human out of a lady parts would qualify someone for a few weeks recovery at least--

Your comment was rude.

OP-Congrats on your pregnancy! you'll have to check with your HR department in regards to when short term disability is able to be taken.

Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

Check with your HR department about STD...we aren't allowed to use ours for pregnancy, each policy is different. Your friend didn't get FMLA, she was most likely granted time off, employers give 6 weeks for a vag delivery and 8 for a c/s. For FMLA you have to be employed for one year and 1250 hours worked.

Babes happen. But you may have to let the cat outta the bag early if you end up sick or assigned to certain patients.

Spare me the righteous indignation.

Most people wouldn't refer to their unborn child as an "accident". Who said pregnancy was a disability? I would think pushing a tiny human out of a lady parts would qualify someone for a few weeks recovery at least--

Your comment was rude.

OP-Congrats on your pregnancy! you'll have to check with your HR department in regards to when short term disability is able to be taken.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I think we need to be respectful of each other. As per the Terms of Service.......

you are free to disagree with anyone on any type of subject matter as long as your criticism is constructive and polite. Additionally, please refrain from name-calling. This is divisive, rude, and derails the thread.

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My mother always told me if I had nothing nice to say to say nothing at all.

OP Congratulations on the new baby.!

First off, congrats! Second I would keep it to yourself till 12 weeks like others suggested then let them know you fully plan on coming back after the birth. Most likely you will get how many ever weeks your doctor thinks you should be off work, usually around 6 weeks is the standard, although I was released at 4 weeks pp. just make sure you have a good child care plan and 2 back ups for that child care plan because unless you can avoid daycare somehow babies can get sick a lot the first year (or at least mine did).

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