advice...i'm pregnant!

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So, this morning, I found out I'm pregnant! I am newly graduated and have a job starting in two weeks. It's a five month new grad program working on a tele floor. Anyone know how maternity leave usually works when you've been employed under 1 year? Should I worry about them changing their mind about hiring me?! The first week is orientation so I won't be in direct contact with patients, but when should I tell my employer? I know I have to tell them because of patients I am assigned to. I am scared, excited and just want to know that my job is safe!

Currently we have PPO insurance and would get PPO from my new employer. I guess my question is: if I make an appointment now before I'm under my new insurance, could my new insurance refuse to cover my pregnancy because it's technically a "pre-existing condition?" Also, should I call and make an appointment right away or is it okay to wait another 6 weeks when my new insurance takes effect before making an appointment?

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Congratulations with your pregnancy!!!! God bless you!

My friend is in a similar situation. She worked as a CNA part tima for about a year while in school. She graduated in May, passed NCLEX and is expecting in August. BTW her pregrancy is an easy one, even now at the end of it. She will search for the job in about 6 months after the delivery. As she says the reason is that nobody would hire her as a grad nurse with a visible pregnant belly. Plus, her hospital will not pay maternity leave, as is is new eployer (if she is hired). Is it true?

I am curious how it works if you find out you are pregnant and when you have to tell your employer about that you take maternity leave or your take unpaid personal leave (if you are not eligible for maternity leave)? Do you need to brng docotor's note or something? And do they keep your position until you come back in case of personal leave?

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I spoke with someone from HR today and she said I am still entitled to 6 weeks maternity leave for regular delivery and 8 weeks for c-section plus up to 12 weeks of "bonding time". You do have to show a doctors note. The only paid portion of the leave is any accrude paid time off and vacation time. I also found out I can make my first doctors appointment now with my existing insurance, and then later if I switch to my new employers insurance they'll cover the pregnancy. I was very happy that the doctor a friend of mine recommended was able to schedule me on the 6th (before I start work on the 10th) and they accept my current insurance as well as the insuance offered at my new job! I'm just trying to take all this in and prepare myself mentally and physically for this new challenge! I'm still not sure when I will tell my employer that I'm expecting...probably not until 3 months? I'm going to ask my doctor at my first appointment and ask if there is anything I need to avoid that I might have forgotten, while working on the hospital floor.

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Waiting until your first trimester is over to tell should be fine, unless the Dr gives you lifting restrictions. I am glad you are getting to see the Dr soon.:up:

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thank you everyone for your advice!

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I think I know how u feel, I am in same predicament but a lot worse. I start work in two weeks andd is due in two months and my employers don't know yet but that was because at the time I was hired, I was only about two months along and that was not part of my interview questions. So, even though I am not one of those women who show, I intend informing them when I start working and hopefully, my job will still be there after my unpaid maternity leave. My advise is wait a little bit more, probably after your first trimester to inform them. I got this advise from my nursing professors and every pregnancy magazine I have read so far. Meanwhile, relax and try to enjoy the ride.:wink2:

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Wow. Is this a new grad position? Congrats btw! I decided to wait to say anything....besides it's still super early to know for sure. Thanks and good luck!

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Yes it is a new grad position but there is nothing I can do about it and I have completed my health assesment and is ready to go. I know I can do this job and intend showing my employers that and hopefully, that will pave way for me coming back after 4weeks. But good decision on waiting to say anything yet and goodluck.:wink2:

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Specializes in Med Surg, Telemetry, BCLS.

I would wait to share anything until the first trimester is overwith. First you won't show until then, and secondly you'll know that you've thankfully made it over that first bump (no pun intended). Any thing can happen (and I hope to God it doesn't) during that first trimester.

By then you'll have three months to research the HR handbook and policies on your own. Then with information at hand you can go to your employer.

FYI, when dealing with any body fluids make sure to use very good precautions. On our floor we won't allow pregnant moms (nurses) touching any sort of urine. So a PCNA has to do it.

Congratuations on your pregnancy but go slow and be wise...

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Specializes in LTC, OB/GYN.

I totally understand how you feel. I Was 10 wks pregnant when my husband was laid off from his job last year. I was covered under his job insurance and had some ob appointments. As soon as he lost his job I switched over to my job insurance. It was not a headache at all. Pregnancy may be a pre-existing condition but the insurance will still cover it. The coverage was 80:20. Luckily for me my husband got another job with a better package before the baby was born and got full coverage. So enjoy every bit of your pregnancy. Dont worry much about what your employer will do. Bottom line is you CANNOT be fired.

I will also advise you to find out about AFLAC if they offer it to you, but don,t tell them about your pregnancy. I think they cover for sick days. I remember they offered something like that in one job orientation a long time ago.

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Specializes in LTC, OB/GYN.

In addition, maintain standard precautions as much as possible. Do stay away from certain pts with conditions such as CMV, herpes zostera and TB or handle certain medications with teratogenic effects like methotrexate or chemo meds.

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Specializes in cardiac/education.

Congtrats to you! How exciting.

Same thing happened to me two years ago and I freaked and left my job (I also miscarried though). I'll always regret that now but still have treasured the time that I have been able to spend with my newest LO. If you can push through, past the sickness and fatigue...one day, you may be able to go PRN or part time and be home with your LO if you so desire. I so wish I had done that but when I go back, I'll be a new grad all over again!

Keep yourself sane. When I graduated it was an unexpected pregnancy...I didn't even know if I wanted kids...add in the stress of being a new grad and several deaths in the family and I just crumbled. Find ways to cope and GOOD LUCK and a happy healthy 9 mos to you!!!:up:

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