Pregnancy Discrimination - Interview - Page 2

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  1. Sep 6, '12 by
    Ugh, I would never play the "pregnant card." My last full time position, I NEVER called off except once when I was truly sick with an URI and had a doctor's note to prove it. We had people call off frequently and it was tolerated but so frustrating r/t staff morale. These people weren't truly sick with the frequency they called off and it always left us short. I'm glad this is an interview for a per diem position. I would gladly be there for the unit to work nights, weekends and holidays. I don't want two months off... it's a per diem position if I am physically able to fill a few shifts for the month the baby is born, I will gladly do it. If this prospective employer were to call my previous employer, they would see that my attendance record is stellar. I just think it's silly to sit on the sidelines and I still think our views toward pregnancy are outdated.
  2. Sep 6, '12 by
    Quote from Nascar nurse
    Argh...isn't that horrible to admit. Let's see...5 months pregnant now so add 4 more months...well that equals Christmas time. Now pretend YOU are the hiring/staff manager. How are you going to cover the holidays AND a LOA? Often it is the long term employees that gets screwed into working to cover the shortage at the very time that they want (and deserve) to get extra time off.

    Seriously - it is only fair to look at both sides of this issue. Remember, it may be YOU that gets stuck with the extra shifts all the while that new employee gets Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years off.

    A manager has to see the whole picture and sometimes it doesn't lead to fun choices for anyone.
    OK, I'm pretending I'm the hiring manager. "You're perfect, and hired."
    Enthused_Nurse2B likes this.
  3. Sep 6, '12 by
    Oh, and one other thing, my maternity care is at the same hospital as the interview and has been fabulous. I would love to compliment the care I've received at that hospital in the inverview, but am afraid I may "shoot myself in the foot."
  4. Sep 6, '12 by
    Quote from Novo
    Many pregnant nurses play the "I'm pregnant card". That's probably why managers are wary to hire them.
    I hate to agree about this, but I haven't worked in hospitals all that long and I'd had me a nice paycheck if I got a dollar every time I've heard "I can't do XYZ" from pregnant staffers. Primarily all the contact rooms they are all paranoid about going into. One girl does a 30 minute quiz where she asks every nurse about their patients' medical histories to make sure they've never never never had shingles before she will agree to do her job and take vitals in the morning. It can get exhausting, but hey, it's a female dominated career field, what are you gonna do.
    wooh, anotherone, and duskyjewel like this.
  5. Sep 6, '12 by
    Quote from redhead_NURSE98!
    I hate to agree about this, but I haven't worked in hospitals all that long and I'd had me a nice paycheck if I got a dollar every time I've heard "I can't do XYZ" from pregnant staffers. Primarily all the contact rooms they are all paranoid about going into. One girl does a 30 minute quiz where she asks every nurse about their patients' medical histories to make sure they've never never never had shingles before she will agree to do her job and take vitals in the morning. It can get exhausting, but hey, it's a female dominated career field, what are you gonna do.
    That stinks, but yeah, I have to agree I've seen it too. On a previous floor I worked one of the pregnant nurses was also the laziest. Then again, she was also the one sitting down charting 5 minutes after shift started. (Um, how did you do all those assessments already?) But, I think it entirely depends on the nurse. I've also seen pregnant nurses that were very helpful.
  6. Sep 6, '12 by
    Quote from whitey_fisk
    That stinks, but yeah, I have to agree I've seen it too. On a previous floor I worked one of the pregnant nurses was also the laziest. Then again, she was also the one sitting down charting 5 minutes after shift started. (Um, how did you do all those assessments already?) But, I think it entirely depends on the nurse. I've also seen pregnant nurses that were very helpful.
    You know, I really hope you get the job. Just from this one thread I think I would love to work with you. I appreciate you allowing me to be honest and not coming back at the honesty with an attitude. Best of luck and congratulations on your new addition!
    LesMonsterRN, hey_suz, CallieNM, and 1 other like this.
  7. Sep 6, '12 by
    Quote from Nascar nurse
    You know, I really hope you get the job. Just from this one thread I think I would love to work with you. I appreciate you allowing me to be honest and not coming back at the honesty with an attitude. Best of luck and congratulations on your new addition!
    Aw, thanks. I appreciate your honesty. I value genuine feedback and try not to take anything personally.
    LesMonsterRN, ~EcHoLaLiA~, hey_suz, and 2 others like this.
  8. Sep 6, '12 by
    There are so many if's and's and Buts about pregnancy that I can see that there might be some reservations about hiring in pregnancy. It is unfortunate that we are there, but...I can see the uncertainty, especially as I have seen many, not all, but many nurses decide to take 6 months off, after having been out for 2...and then some who leave entirely. Even though you say you would not, and you would not...some people end up doing that, and if a manager has been burned with providing training and what not...I can see where they would be leary.

    Good luck to you!
    Altra and nursejoed like this.
  9. Sep 6, '12 by
    All things being equal, you will no doubt be a less attractive candidate. Unfair? Sure. But it's true b/c of all the things OPs have outlined.

    Staffing is a huge issue for managers. Hiring and training new employees is a huge expense, and they want a return on their investment.

    While I generally do not like to operate this way, I would say nothing about my pregnancy. And prn work is prob your best bet. You will feel less "guilty" about your non disclosure that way. And it will give you more flexibility.

    You will be able to "prove" yourself, and then apply for FT after baby is born. And CONGRATULATIONS!
    RNsRWe, LesMonsterRN, anie10, and 1 other like this.
  10. Sep 6, '12 by
    Quote from CherylRNBSN
    All things being equal, you will no doubt be a less attractive candidate. Unfair? Sure. But it's true b/c of all the things OPs have outlined.

    Staffing is a huge issue for managers. Hiring and training new employees is a huge expense, and they want a return on their investment.

    While I generally do not like to operate this way, I would say nothing about my pregnancy. And prn work is prob your best bet. You will feel less "guilty" about your non disclosure that way. And it will give you more flexibility.

    You will be able to "prove" yourself, and then apply for FT after baby is born. And CONGRATULATIONS!
    So why is non disclosure viewed so heinously by employers? I view my work practices as ethically sound, and don't want to come across as "questionable" in any way. But, I REALLY want this job...so why does it make me the bad guy to hide it? I am fully capable to perform the per diem job asked of me IMHO.

    p.s. thanks!
    Last edit by Art_Vandelay on Sep 6, '12