Controversial Job Offer

WickedRedRN, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2008

I am glad to see this thread has been so civil, with no one dragging out the big debate :)

My one and only concern with this position would be that before you decide, please make sure you take the time to investigate and see for yourself the safety precautions put in place to keep the clinic patients AND staff safe. This is an area that draws many protests, please make sure it is a place where you can be safe.

All the best to you!

allnurses Guide · Apr 9, 2008

I have been offered an interview in an abortion clinic. I do not personally believe in abortion but do not judge others who do. I do not know all of the details of the job description but depending on what they are I think I could do fine in the job. Will future employers look down on this?

I agree with Commuter and others . . if you do not believe in abortion, I don't think you should work in an abortion clinic.

I'm pretty sure as an employer, especially in our political world right now, I would not hire you. It is just a little too scary.

No offense to you at all - I'm sure you don't judge.

steph

GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN · Apr 9, 2008

I've done lots of second trimester abortions,( as well as first trimester, and L and D.) L and D NM was well aware of what was done in the Gyn unit,never negatively affected my changing jobs, in fact I feel it will enhance your market-ablility, I never put down abortion-assistant on my resume but yes employers knew the outpt clinic did first trimester abortions, and the inpt unit did 2nd trimester, the skills you develop, caring and support will all aid you in the future.

You can put planned parenthood on your resume as assisted "womens' health services",

"assisted with education, surgical procedures, telephone triage, etc." without ever having to say "abortion". I always felt all patients deserved a caring nonjudgmental health care provider, and patient advocate , esp within that patient population, you are needed and appreciated, good luck

lainith · Apr 9, 2008

I'm really fascinated by this post. I guess it never really occurred to me that someone has to be a nurse there... I know there are a lot of reasons why a woman would have an abortion but I feel like I couldn't work there because it would not be fair to the patients that I may find myself being judgmental because of my personal beliefs.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Apr 9, 2008

Actually, I have always wanted to work in an abortion clinic, but not a private free standing one. I would take the opportunity in the hospital I am currently employed in if offered. I don't want people to attack me personally just because of my own personal beliefs and the desire to support those who have made the choice to abort. I am totally Pro-choice, and believe that the picket lines, threats and harassment is not going to change a person's mind that truly wishes to abort.

But, YOU have to be comfortable with dealing with people who use abortion as birth control, manipulating the fathers of the child, baby mama drama and the other negative situations attached to this. Seeing women who aborted two months returning for another one by a different father, having the potential fathers come up there to argue with these women (but had no intention of helping to raise this child, anyhow...just wanting another notch under their sorry belts), having sex the same night (unprotected, at that) seem to be the majority, sorry to say on my side of the planet.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Apr 9, 2008

Why don't you ask to job shadow for a day? Your employer will be glad you are making sure you are comfortable in the environment and likely to stay for the long haul.

elizabells, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2008

I'm pretty sure as an employer, especially in our political world right now, I would not hire you. It is just a little too scary.

Why not, stevie? I'm not challenging or trying to start anything, I just literally don't understand what you mean. Why would it be scary for an employer to hire a nurse who had at one time worked in an abortion clinic?

MaryAnn_RN · Apr 9, 2008

I have been offered an interview in an abortion clinic. I do not personally believe in abortion but do not judge others who do. I do not know all of the details of the job description but depending on what they are I think I could do fine in the job. Will future employers look down on this?

Abortion is such an emotive issue. If you don't personally believe in abortion, won't it affect your ability to work there? And to provide compassionate care to your patients?

graceomalleyRN, RN · Apr 9, 2008

Abortion is such an emotive issue. If you don't personally believe in abortion, won't it affect your ability to work there? And to provide compassionate care to your patients?

This was my concern as well. I'll leave my own beliefs out of this, but let's just say I understand and can empathize with both sides very well.

Do you really feel you could give the patient appropriate supportive care when your feelings are what they are? I think the patient will sense your ambivalence.

And what about you? How would it feel to work every day in an environment that you feel is wrong?

If you came here as a strong advocate for rights-to-abortion, and your only hesitation was the future problem on a resume, I'd say DO IT. However I think nursing is something that needs to come from the heart, for both the patient's sake and YOURS.

My recommendation:

Find something you can feel good about. That's the great thing about nursing, it's out there.

Best of luck in your decision making.

Trauma Columnist · Apr 9, 2008

If you would like the job, go for it. That's the great thing about being a nurse: the variety. I also agree that I don't think it would affect future employment. After all, I too doubt the place is called "the Abortion Center." Just say you worked at "ABC Women's Healthcare."

The safety issue is a biggie for me too. Our one clinic in town that does this, is frequently picketed and they have had quite a bit of vandalism and threats. Be careful.

Some nurses would not be comfortable working in a center that performs abortions. However, the choice is theirs about whether to work there or not. I do agree with job shadowing for a day: not just for the job experience, but also to see what safety measures they have in place.

Good luck.

labcat01, BSN, RN · Apr 9, 2008

I also agree that I don't think it would affect future employment. After all, I too doubt the place is called "the Abortion Center." Just say you worked at "ABC Women's Healthcare."

Ditto! I don't think it would effect your future employment either.

As for working there, only YOU know your own morals and convictions. Good luck!

allnurses Guide · Apr 9, 2008

Why not, stevie? I'm not challenging or trying to start anything, I just literally don't understand what you mean. Why would it be scary for an employer to hire a nurse who had at one time worked in an abortion clinic?

I didn't make myself clear - sorry. I don't think it will effect future employment at all.

No, if I was the employer at the abortion clinic and I interviewed someone who said she didn't believe in abortion . .. .that could be scary. Why would a person who doesn't believe that abortion is right want to work in an abortion clinic? To proselytize?

I work in Hospice right now. What if someone came in to interview and told me she didn't believe that Hospice was the right way to go at the end of life? Why interview with me?

Or if I was the manager of an NICU and someone interviewed with me who said she didn't think we should try to save babies under 34 weeks?

It just seems that if you don't believe in what you are doing, you shouldn't be doing it.

steph