Am I screwed?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.

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So, I am graduating from my FNP program this May and I plan on taking my boards soon after. However....

I'm due in October. I have great health insurance, 100% paid maternity leave, with low out of pocket max. I imagine by the time I get my license through my state, it will be June or July. I really don't want to give up my maternity leave and restart a new deductible with most likely a higher out of pocket max. I also want to take the full 12 weeks, which puts me into mid-late January. I hope to interview during my maternity leave for jobs. But...

Will being out of school for 7 months hurt me in the long run with jump starting my NP career? Am I screwed? 

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I don’t think so. Take the leave, and get the rest. Your baby will only be little once. The job will be there when the time is right. Nursing for the most part is understanding of new parents. I don’t think it will work against you. I wouldn’t want to work for an employer that wouldn’t allow me to rest and recover after pregnancy. 

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Specializes in CTICU.

No. I finished school in April and it took until Jan the next year for my position to be approved through admin etc. I stayed at my old job until it was ready.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I don't think the 7 months of leave will be an issue with a new employer, but...

I would keep in mind that depending on circumstances your current employer can seek to recoup at least some portion of your health insurance costs if you don't return after a leave of absence if you are using their insurance during leave.

 

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Congratulations! I remember when you were a brand new baby nurse. You were so adorable and idealistic. You've come a long way. ?

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

I don't think it will negatively impact your career in any way and it will give you important time at home with your new baby. People end up with larger gaps between school and a new job for many different reasons. Good luck with all of your upcoming exciting changes!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.
On 4/4/2022 at 6:35 AM, klone said:

Congratulations! I remember when you were a brand new baby nurse. You were so adorable and idealistic. You've come a long way. ?

Haha!

So true...can't believe I have been on this site for as long as I have. These days I feel more like I belong in the COB society working with these young new grads.

On 4/3/2022 at 8:42 PM, MunoRN said:

I don't think the 7 months of leave will be an issue with a new employer, but...

I would keep in mind that depending on circumstances your current employer can seek to recoup at least some portion of your health insurance costs if you don't return after a leave of absence if you are using their insurance during leave.

 

I will definitely take a look at the policy. I would probably work another month or so and then put notice in once I have a job secured.

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