advice...i'm pregnant!

[melisgood]

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!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Bottom line is you CANNOT be fired.

Actually, she can be fired...just not because she is pregnant. She has to do her job as successfully (with the necessary limitations for the safety of her/her baby), as they'd expect a non-pregnant employee to perform it. The employer would have to treat her as any other employee with a temporary disability...however, pregnancy/disability is not automatic job security if the woman isn't doing any of her work in the first place.

That's why I warned her in my earlier post what to expect and what to do/not to do. The odds are in her favor that she wouldn't be fired and I don't want to be the voice of doom...but in this economy, the OP would be wise to take nothing for granted.

[dorothy.whitton]

You definitely cannot be fired, so breathe a little easier. Your pregnant. Celebrate that! You said you're scared. Sounds to me you need to take some relaxation classes and think about how you will birth your baby, etc. You want a healthy baby, and you need to stay healthy, so affirm that everything will turn out positively. Now is the time to research childbirth practitioners, classes, etc. So, relax!!!! Enjoy this time. Stay healthy. Challenges regarding work, and life will always be there. How you direct your energy and positive influence on others is a direct indication on how you live your own life. You will be a better nurse, having a positive attitude, and finding solutions in a positive way. Congratualations, again

Dorothy

[rebe]

http://www.nswnurses.asn.au/faqs/index_search.jsp

This is a link to the "pregnancy questions" section of the NSW Nurses Association. You just click on the question that seems to apply to your situation and the question is answered with info supporting in from laws. From what I thought I understood I believe you have the have 12 months work under your belt to qualify for the 12 weeks standard maternity leave. But there seems to be some exception to this by taking sick leave and PTO, etc to create a "leave." They definately cannot fire you. Talking to HR is the best thing you can do! Good job going straight to them!

AND CONGRATS! My husband and I are currently counting down the three months until I can get pregnant (I passed the NCLEX 2 days ago and start on a tele unit in a week!).