Just got hired for my dream job but... I'm pregnant!

1. 0 So I have always wanted to work as an L&D nurse and recently was offered a position to do just that, full time days even! I'm soooo thrilled! The only problem? In the mix of this all happening I found out I am pregnant. My husband and I are so excited but it is kind of scary changing jobs at a time like this. I don't want to miss this great opportunity because what if I don't ever get it again?? To make matters worse my pregnancy symptoms are out of control. I have bloating, gas, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. I have at least 1-2 of the above symptoms at all times, and sometimes all of them together. I've been to my obgyn 3 times with new medications added each time. Nothing has resolved the problem and I just feel hopeless. I really want this job though! What should I do?

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2. 11 Comments

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3. 
   #1 5

   Sep 10, '12 by toucheturtle, BSN, RN

   Take the job. Who better to understand your symptoms and challenges than people who work with pregnant women all day! :-)
   
   If you're still in the first trimester of pregnancy, I would guess your symptoms might lessen/resolve as your pregnancy progresses.

   Last edit by toucheturtle on Sep 10, '12
4. 
   #2 0

   Sep 10, '12 by levzahav9

   Take the job! When you're keeping busy sometimes you forget your "ailments". It's when you are at a boring desk job that you notice every little thing that bothers you. You wouldn't need to take work off for a few more months anyway, right?
5. 
   #3 0

   Sep 10, '12 by eatmysoxRN

   Take the job! You may not get the same opportunity easily again. Congrats on your new job and your pregnancy!
6. 
   #4 0

   Sep 10, '12 by roseonye

   keep the job. double blessing. pregnancy and new position
7. 
   #5 1

   Sep 10, '12 by egglady

   take the job. Pregnancy is NOT a disability. Believe me, we have all been there!!!
8. 
   #6 2

   Sep 10, '12 by HeartsOpenWide

   No one can tell you what to do. Only you can decide. I was offered a job in L&D (already work L&D) with $16 more an hour, better benefits. Would have to move three hours away. Was prepared to take the job when I found out I was pregnant. I had been trying to get pregnant for two and a half years and have never been pregnant before. My husband and I discussed it a lot and I ended up turning the job down, explaining why, and telling them that it's "hopefully just for now" the woman in HR said I had enough experience that it shouldn't be a problem getting the job offer again in the future. If its meant to be, I will be working there in a few years. Other than extreme fatigue, I really have no other pregnancy symptoms. That being said, I work in a level one hospital on day shift. The position was at a level three hospital on night shift. I can hardly make it through a 12 hour shift, I can not imagine doing this after relocating, working nights, and learning on an extreme curve. Again, that's me! You have to decide what is best for YOU, your baby, and your relationship. That's the only advice I can give; basically it's up to you.

   Last edit by HeartsOpenWide on Sep 10, '12
9. 
   #7 1

   Sep 10, '12 by FLmed

   Quote from HeartsOpenWide

   No one can tell you what to do. Only you can decide. I was offered a job in L&D (already work L&D) with $16 more an hour, better benefits. Would have to move three hours away. Was prepared to take the job when I found out I was pregnant. I had been trying to get pregnant for two and a half years and have never been pregnant before. My husband and I discussed it a lot and I ended up turning job, explaining why, and telling them that it's "hopefully just for now" the woman in HR said I had enough experience that it shouldn't be a problem getting the job offer again in the future. If its meant to be, I will be working there in a few years. Other than extreme fatigue, I really have no other pregnancy symptoms. That being said, I work in a level one hospital on day shift. The position was at a level three hospital on night shift. I can hardly make it through a 12 hour shift, I can not imagine doing this after relocating, working nights, and learning on an extreme curve. Again, that's me! You have to decide what is best for YOU, your baby, and your relationship. That's the only advice I can give; basically it's up to you.

   Just wanted to tell you CONGRATULATIONS on your pregnancy!!! I'm so happy for you!!!
10. 
    #8 0

    Sep 10, '12 by FLmed

    Original poster-- take the job. Most of the nausea and vomiting will pass after week 12-13. Happy for you-- job offer and the bun in the oven!!! These are exciting times!!!
11. 
    #9 0

    Sep 10, '12 by redhead_NURSE98!

    Take it, I just hope you don't work for people like some of the ones in this post. Also, if it's a new employer and not just a transfer to a different job in the same employer, be aware of the leave policies and what will happen when the time comes.
12. 
    #10 0

    Sep 10, '12 by gatoraims RN, ASN, LPN, RN

    Congrats on the new job offer and pregnancy!
13. 
    #11 0

    Sep 13, '12 by xxlilkacixx

    Thank you all so much for the great advice. I'm continuing with everything to start the new job but I've gotten no relief from pregnancy symptoms either. If my symptoms don't ease up I can't take the job. If I miss more than 2 days in the first 90 I'll be let go. Just to paint a picture I've called in 3 times this week and been to the ER... Soooo upsetting! I just want to feel better!!!! Baby is doing great though which is my priority. If/when I do, I'll take the job, if I continue to struggle like this I will have to say no.

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