Pregnant during interviews!?!

PediRN · Sep 3, 2003

You can not be discriminated against due to pregnancy. That being said, its entirely possible that a potential employer may not hire you given your pregnancy and then attribute it to something totally different (they don't have to defend their decision unless you take them to court, in which case they may say that they wanted someone with OB experience, etc).

As someone who interviews and hires nurses on a fairly regular basis, I would appreciate your being honest with me. I've had many nurses come to me who have plans to get married "soon" and if I want them to work for me I have set it up so that they can do an abbreviated orientation, or have a delayed hire date.

As a new grad, you're going to need a solid orientation. If you work for 3 months and then go out for six weeks (or more) for maternity leave, you may forget a lot of what you've learned. I guess what I'm saying is you may want to start after the baby is born so you can really dive into your new position.

Would I hire you? Sure, if you met the qualifications. Because lets face it, dealing with pregnancy and maternity leave is a way of life for most nurse managers. To not hire someone based on the fact that they're pregnant is foolish.

ptnurse · Sep 4, 2003

I interviewed for positions when I was 5 months pregnant with my son and I was showing. Went to the interview in a maternity outfit. The interviewer didn't seem put off at all by my pregnancy. I think they will think more long term in their hiring. Your pregnancy is a temporary situation. I would just be honest about the pregnancy, as mentioned by the last poster nurse managers deal with pregnant nurses all the time.

Burnt Out, ASN, RN · Sep 4, 2003

Ditto what everyone else has mentioned: Just be honest about your pregnancy.

When I graduated from school, I was getting married that fall and told all the interviewers that I was getting married and the date and my plans....no problem:D

allnurses Guide · Sep 4, 2003

I agree . . . always be honest. And maybe consider working part-time after graduation or taking a bit of a leave while you get to know your new little one. You are young and have alot of life ahead of you. Babies grow up fast . . . take it from me. :)

I graduated from nursing school 5 years ago when I was 40. My kids were all older and I worked full-time hours that coincided with their being in school. Then we had our last child and I've been part-time ever since.

Best wishes on the birth of your child and remember that being honest is always the honorable thing to do. Your future employer will be grateful that they can rely on your word.

steph

lilybug · Sep 4, 2003

I must say that after reading all of your replies I realized that you are all absolutely right! What was I thinking when I said that I would not tell them if I wasn't showing? I am just so anxious, nervous, excited, etc. about getting a job that I lost sight of what is most important! Thank you for pointing out what should have been obvious to me from the start. I have my hopes set but I have to realize that what is meant to be is meant to be! I'm going to take it as it comes! You are all great!:kiss

Agnus · Sep 4, 2003

good luck and a big congratulations.

pittsburghRN · Sep 4, 2003

JUST THOUGHT THAT I'D SHARE WITH YOU THAT I'M IN THE SAME SITUATION AND I'M HOPING TO FIND JOB IN OB TOO HOPEFULLY BEFORE SHOWING

lilybug · Sep 4, 2003

PittsburghRN-Good luck and congratulations to you too! I hope that you find what you are looking for... :)

geekgolightly, BSN, RN · Sep 4, 2003

Originally posted by PediRN
Would I hire you? Sure, if you met the qualifications. Because lets face it, dealing with pregnancy and maternity leave is a way of life for most nurse managers. To not hire someone based on the fact that they're pregnant is foolish.

PediRn has great advice and insight, and keep in mind, especially, this last paragraph. She's right. Nurse managers deal with it all the time. If the manager likes you, thinks you will make a good nurse, the pregnancy is irrelevant. I was a student nurse in neuroscience and I found out I was pregnant in June. I immediately told my supervisors and I received big congratulations. When time came for a position to be offered, I was still given a prime spot and told that they look forward to working with me, and could they do anything to make me more comfortable there.

Be honest. It's always the best route.

And congrats!