Disclosing pregnancy during interview

Specialties NP

Published

I'm a new NP and have had trouble finding a position in Cardiology. I've had some phone/skype interviews for an excellent position that I'm really excited about. I am pregnant and due in May. I'm afraid if I disclose this to them I will be passed up for the position. Should I disclose it or should I wait.

Additionally it is for a position in California and I am currently licensed in Colorado, so if offered the position my start date would probably not be until after baby is here anyway. Anyone know how long the credentialing/onboarding process takes in CA (In CO it takes 3-4 months under optimal conditions).

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Are you currently employed?

Think the best option is to sit tight. Believe it takes about 3-4mo for California licensing. You can check the Cali BON website, there is a section where they tell you what date of submitted applications they’re currently working on.

I’m sure someone more educated or experienced in the matter can add to the conversation, but I’d be fearful of what you lose in terms of “pregnancy leave” and pay/benefits when starting a brand new job. I believe there is a window until it is effective..

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I will be able to take leave through my current RN job before even starting the new job the only difference it may make to the new employer is in terms of start date. I'm just looking for some guidance on whether or not to disclose the pregnancy this early in the process or whether I should wait for an offer. The California BON says it will take up to 12 weeks just to process my RN license (which needs to be done before my NP license) and i don't know if the hospital would move forward with all of the medicaid/care background stuff until they have that- thus putting me out 6 months anyway.

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Specializes in ENT FNP.

Honestly, it takes so long to transfer your license to a new state and then start the credentialing process, you might give birth and take your full maternity leave before you step foot inside a practice. No one tells you in NP school how long this process really takes, but i've been working on getting credentialed since December with a hospital in NYC and still am not allowed to have an ID badge. Luckily the doctor i'm coordinating with has two offices that we travel to, so I can still work in the mean time, but as for hospitals. It takes MONTHS. Don't stress. This is a beautiful time in your life. Jobs will come. As my doctor said the first time I met him, this is work... everything else is life. We don't live for work.. that's not what it's about.

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Specializes in Former NP now Internal medicine PGY-3.

I wouldn’t tell them anything. Most practices already prefer men due to us not giving birth. It’s just the hard reality. I had one doctor I worked for who actually said that, he was a really good doctor and boss and treated his employees well but It’s just the reality of things.

you don’t need to disclose it so I would not. It’s illegal for them to ask.

I actually had someone ask me if I planned on having kids in a residency interview. It’s an illegal question. I didn’t rank that place (not due to that but just due to sucking in general). It was sort of strange since I’m a male that he asked that. ?

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