Hi....I just wanted to get some input from others that are/have been pregnant while working in the ER and how it was on you. I am almost 25 weeks and planning on working until I go in for my C-section. So far, it's been ok. I notice I am a little more tired and I have occasional nights that my back is sore. But the plus side is that I've noticed family members not treating me like a waitress as much... :) ..... they look at my belly and refrain from asking for coffee or a soda. The other night, I was called to a room to scoot grandma up in bed (g'ma weighed a ton)... and the daughter looked at me and told her huge hulking son of about 20 y/o to get up and do it. Why they don't do that in the first place is beyond me...but at least they do have SOME decency left for pregnant women. I am considering a "strap-on belly" when I go back to work after my maternity leave. :)
Anyway, did ya'll work the entire time? If not, when did you have to cut back hours and/or stop working? How did being pregnant have an effect on your job?
I am a new ER nurse and only 8 weeks pregnant, but already noticing some changes in how I work. I don't mind people throwing-up around me, but emptying the emesis basin is almost too much! Things that didn't gross me out before are becoming a little bit of a problem. I too plan on working until my due date, but because of a preeclampsia issue with my first baby, I may not be able to. I am concerned about infectious diseases and the like, but my co-workers are great about telling me to stay away from a certain patient or not putting a patient with chicken pox in my room if they have the choice. I try not to use pregnancy as an excuse not to do anything and hope that working will keep me fit and active mentally and physically while I'm pregnant. I can't wait until I really start showing so that patient's family members will start to pitch in or whine a little bit less! I never thought of that! I know that the original poster already had her baby, but I hope this helps others!
I know this is a late post, but like the above I thought it might help some that are pregnant now looking at this.
I am currently 38 weeks pregnant and still working full time nights (12 hour shifts). I've definately noticed that I am more tired, but definately not enough to stop me. The only thing that has gotten to me is that since last week I've noticed that I am MUCH more irritable. It's really hard to be triaging a 36 year old that woke up with his hear hurting while having a Braxton Hicks contraction and stay compassionate. While I do have to slow down when I'm having contractions at work I haven't found any reason to not keep going at this point (although at this rate I may have to stop working because I may say something inappropriate to a patient!). It's definately realistic to work until you are due if you are able to and have no complications (and it's safe for you and the baby!). Congrats on being pregnant!
elizabert49
3 Posts
I am a new ER nurse and only 8 weeks pregnant, but already noticing some changes in how I work. I don't mind people throwing-up around me, but emptying the emesis basin is almost too much! Things that didn't gross me out before are becoming a little bit of a problem. I too plan on working until my due date, but because of a preeclampsia issue with my first baby, I may not be able to. I am concerned about infectious diseases and the like, but my co-workers are great about telling me to stay away from a certain patient or not putting a patient with chicken pox in my room if they have the choice. I try not to use pregnancy as an excuse not to do anything and hope that working will keep me fit and active mentally and physically while I'm pregnant. I can't wait until I really start showing so that patient's family members will start to pitch in or whine a little bit less! I never thought of that! I know that the original poster already had her baby, but I hope this helps others!