New job, share that I am pregnant?

Specialties NP

Published

Hello! So I am in the midst of a negotiations with a new employer. It is a small hospital, I will be doing er and some urgent care that they just started. I am 12 weeks pregnant, I am so torn on when to share with them that I am pregnant so they have adequate time to find replacements for my leave. I do not know why I feel so guilty, but I do. I am wondering what others have done/experienced.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Well congrats!

I would tell them up front and the reason is that as a provider they expect you to inform them of an extended time off, especially since you will only be working for them six months before asking for time off.

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Would you share this before ending negotiations?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I would - not sure if you HAVE to.....

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Would you share this before ending negotiations?

Yes. Finding a provider is more difficult than finding a staff nurse. Your pregnancy will be evident soon and you may be within a probationary period. In this case, honesty may help save your job. It's sticky situation. If they're desparate and you promise to come back, they may agree to hire you.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

As a supervisor I would not be blindsided.

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By the time you would take maternity leave, you will not qualify for FMLA and, as such, they are not obligated to accept you back into an equivalent position after you return (or accept you back at all). Being upfront and honest does run the risk that you will not land this position but that also likely means you would not be warmly welcomed back afterwards. In this case, you haven't really lost anything since you know this is not a family-friendly workplace. On the other hand, if you let them know of your situation, there is a chance they are willing to work with you. Either way, having a job post-baby depends on the willingness of the facility to work with you so there is not much reason to not disclose.

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Specializes in Internal Medicine.

I agree with others that honesty is the key, but wouldn't there be some fallout if they were to fire her upon finding out she is pregnant? Even if she is in her probationary period? I would also think NOT hiring someone for the sole reason that they are pregnant would be illegal. They would obviously have be dumb enough and tell you that was the reason.

Either way, the best course of action is to be honest. Reflecting what pro-student said, if they have no problem with it you've probably found the right place to work. If they frown upon it, you know it's not the best place to be.

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