Pregnancy question

Specialties NICU

Published

I was hoping that someone could give a little advice for me. I just found out that I am pregnant. Yea! Not planned, but still great. I am 6 weeks along and will graduate from Nursing school in June (approx 20 weeks along). The pregnancy doesn't worry me, but what does is the fact that I recently got a job as a new grad in the NICU upon graduation. I accepted the position before I found out I was pregnant.

The question is, when do I tell my nurse manager? I have to go for pre-employment lab work, drug screen, physical, etc this week. Can they test for pregnancy without my consent? I want to be upfront and honest, but I don't want to lose my position. I know that it is illegal to fire or not hire me based on pregnancy, but I also know that some managers find away around this.

Any input would be very helpful.

Thanks

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First off...congratulations! I can't wait until I finish my training to have another one :)

Ok...here is my vote..from personal experience.

When do your benefits start? If it's 90 days...I would wait to say anything.

I had just started a new job, newly married, and found out unexpectedly a few weeks after starting that I was pregnant. I found out, AFTER my twins were born, and a HUGE hospital bill (2 babies, 2 preemies, 2 NICU stays...do the math)...that the insurance company was looking very, very closely at my pregnancy to see if there was any possibility that it could have been a pre-existing condition (ie. diagnosed by a doctor). I had suspected I was pregnant right when I started, but I didn't have the nerve to take a test until my insurance kicked in...I didn't plan it that way, it just ended up being that way.

That 6-figure hospital bill would have financially ruined us and sent us into bankruptcy.

If this isn't an issue for you at all (if someone else carries your benefits), there is no required time frame to discuss this with your employer...it's your choice...I'm not a nurse, but I have seen on this message board where there are certain types of activities you should avoid when pregnant at a hospital...since you are a nurse, you probably already know what those are.

I am very happy for you....what a wonderful thing to have...a new career and a new life.

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They will not test for pregnancy, but I would tell your nurse manager, its nothing to be ashamed of or discrimated against because of.. it is a BLESSING!!! I don't mean to offend you or seem morbid at all but it would be totally reasonable to wait until you are out of the 1st trimester...alot of people dont share the news until then anyway. You would be suprised how common this situation is (new employeee, newly pregnant), she will probably react better than you are expecting. What are your plans? Will you be out long after the delivery? You may want to come up with a plan for working around it prior to telling her so you can be prepared to advocate for your position just in case she isnt understanding. Good luck with the baby and job.

I was hoping that someone could give a little advice for me. I just found out that I am pregnant. Yea! Not planned, but still great. I am 6 weeks along and will graduate from Nursing school in June (approx 20 weeks along). The pregnancy doesn't worry me, but what does is the fact that I recently got a job as a new grad in the NICU upon graduation. I accepted the position before I found out I was pregnant.

The question is, when do I tell my nurse manager? I have to go for pre-employment lab work, drug screen, physical, etc this week. Can they test for pregnancy without my consent? I want to be upfront and honest, but I don't want to lose my position. I know that it is illegal to fire or not hire me based on pregnancy, but I also know that some managers find away around this.

Any input would be very helpful.

Thanks

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Specializes in icu.

I found out I was pregnant about two weeks after I finished my new grad ICU orientation - surprise!!! I was scared to tell my manager, but she was very supportive - even arranging a day shift position for me when nights became too much for my pregnant body to handle. I am currently off work due to some (alot!) of preterm contractions and some cervical changes and my manager is still being supportive. I would tell your manager ASAP - chances are he or she will be happy for you and support you. Good luck!!

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Thanks for the advice! I think I will wait until after my first trimester to tell her, no use stressing out over something that could end (but hopefully not!!) I had a pretty easy pregnancy with my first, so I'm crossing my fingers for the same with this one.

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I got my job when I was just 4 weeks preggers. I told my boss and I have not had probs. I took my maternity leave and came back and I have been here for almost 2 years.

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Specializes in hopefully NICU!.

Congrats on your pregnancy Honeychild!! Hope all goes well!

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