Attend RN Career Fair While Pregnant???

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello all...

I have a question that has been burning my mind for quite some time now. Right now, I am 5 months pregnant with my first child :yeah: and my husband and I are in the process of relocating to Phoenix, Arizona. I plan to use out all of my maternity leave where I currently work in New York, and upon returning to work, begin fresh in Arizona. Now... here is where my dillemma begins...

There is an RN Career Fair taking place in Arizona on September 17th. By then I should be a little over 35 weeks. I want to try and have at least a position or two lined up for when I am ready to re-enter into the nursing workforce, and I am very anxious to attend this fair for that particular reason. I know there are recommendations as to when a pregnant woman should stop flying, etc., but I need to know what you all think.

Should I attend a career fair while visibly pregnant? Would potential employers look at me like I'm crazy? What are your views/ suggestions?

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

You should go. Having a baby should NOT be a hinderance on getting a job.

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I personally, wouldn't. If you weren't showing, I would say go, but at 5 months, you probably are, and employers know that with a new baby comes alot of doctor's appointments, illnesses, etc.

Plus, every HR rep for every hospital will be there.

Also, keep in mind that if you max out your maternity leave and never go back at your old job, if you carry the insurance, you risk them not only discontinuing your health insurance, but asking for your maternity leave pay back...b/c they will consider the LAST day you worked, as the date of termination if you never go back.

I have personally known people that this has happened to and it's 100% legal.

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

I know my hospital has hired many new hires who were pregnant.

Congrats on the move and the exciting new future!!!

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Specializes in Tele, Acute.

Absolutely go! You are relocating and need to get a jump on finding employment so you can start after the baby comes. Sometimes when you apply at fairs, it takes a while to get on the schedule anyway. You can get the orientation, drug screen and all the interviews out the way so you can go to work, when you are ready, after the baby is born.

Good luck, and Congrats!:yeah:

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Specializes in NICU.

Of course you should go!! Why not? Just be up front with them, that you're looking to line up a job for after you have the baby.

Good luck to you and congrats on everything!

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I went to a job interview 7 mos pregnant and got the job. Started on a floor in a specialty I was familiar in, started orientation 8 mos preg for 2 12s or 8s/ week. I scheduled right up until my due date with the understanding I might not make it (but delivered a week after my last shift) When I returned 3 monts later, I finished up another week of orientation.

The hardest parts were... 1) Figuring out what to wear to an interview. Luckily I had some hand-me-downs from a cousin who worked in business 2) The hospital wide orientaion (which was LONG) since my baby was high and I had trouble sitting for 8 hours straight!!

Maybe it helped that I was applying for casual part-time, but really, I think that anytime a company hires a woman they take the chance that she may be or get pregnant and quit. When the applicant is obviously pregant you can put it on the table and they know you've thought it through and plan to work anyway.

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Absolutely!!

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Sure, go have fun and do some south -west baby shopping while you're at it.

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Yes, go. Being pregnant isn't a crime.

And congratulations!

steph

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Why let being pregnant keep you from going. They know it's temporary and at 35 wks they'll know it won't be long. Good luck with the move and the new baby.

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You absolutely should go!

I got a job when I was 6 mos pregnant.

Before booking the ticket, check with your airline what are the restrictions for transportation of pregnant passengers. Some airlines will not allow you on the plane after 36 weeks without you MD's letter ( they really do not want to deal with L/D stuff during flight). When on board, make sure to drink plenty of water and move around as much as possible to prevent DVT.

Good luck to you!

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