[EDValerieRN]

I'm about 7000 weeks pregnant (or it feels like it at least) and I'm still working full time in the ER, inner-city-level-one and all that... I'm doing fine.
Sure, my back hurts after three shifts in a row, but I deal with it.

I say take the closer one. If they're willing to work with you on maternity leave, they sound like a supportive place to be. Just be sure to know your limits. Speak up when you need a lunch or a pee break, and be smart about asking for help when you need it. Don't be trying to lift people by yourself, and don't be the one to try and restrain a big-ole PCP user.

After all, what did women do back in the early 1900's when they were pregnant? Working in fields farming crops has to be a lot harder than what we do, and they were just fine.

[cardsRN]

from my (admittedly non ER) experience, colleagues are usually very understanding about helping a pregnant woman lift/changing assignments/handling an out of control pt for you. all you have to do is ask. and be willing to return the favor when you are able.
i read something about if you are not being told "no" at least 3 times a day, you are not asking for enough. in general many women don't ask for the help we need as we are afraid of putting someone else out or feeling that we are supposed to be taking care of others. so ask away. i too would be more concerned with the commute. thx for letting me but in on your board guys!

[oneLoneNurse]

Originally Posted by DiannaK

regardless if a pt walks in the door in the ER, or is transported via stretcher from the PACU to the floor.... I'm not convinced you EVER have a great deal of "control" over the types of pts you may take care of.

Pregnancy is a condition, not a disability. I don't think someone should be discouraged from any area of nursing due to a pregnancy.

I do. A life is precious.

[JRapha'sRN]

Also remember to take into consideration how tired you will be during your third trimester and after the baby comes. You will be tired going TO work and exhausted coming home. I would take the closer job. You haven't mentioned which you would rather work at if distance wasn't an issue. Unless you desperately want to work at the smaller hospital, I would choose the one closest to your home.

[DiannaK]

Originally Posted by oneLoneNurse

I do. A life is precious.

I'm not disagreeing with you .... life is precious. I'm the proud mother of 3 children .. 2 with me, and one in heaven. I worked, as a nurse, full time, with all three pregnancies. I just don't see where pregnancy and working are incompatable.

[oneLoneNurse]

Originally Posted by DiannaK

I'm not disagreeing with you .... life is precious. I'm the proud mother of 3 children .. 2 with me, and one in heaven. I worked, as a nurse, full time, with all three pregnancies. I just don't see where pregnancy and working are incompatable.

Certain units are. I would not put a pregnant woman on the psych unit where I work at the present time. Two of my hulking male techs have been injured recently.

[EDValerieRN]

Bottom line: if you are an ER nurse, you need to be cautious about which rooms you step into, and who you have around to help you. If you think there is a possibility of being kicked in the belly, wait for help. If you rush in there on your own and get kicked, really you were asking for trouble. Your own safety has to come before the patient.

If you are pregnant, the same rules should apply, with some extra caution.

To each their own. If you have enough money and support that you don't have to work pregnant, more power to you. Some of us don't have that choice, and I don't think we should be guilted about it.

[teeituptom]

Ive worked with many Preg Women over the decades in ER. Ive seen them all work till late in preg. I even see a few work who had their BOW rupture while at work. Now me persoanlly being a wimpy guy wouldnt be that courageous. Which is why women have babies. But Ive respected their efforts and discomforts. None of them ever had problems with their offspring