First year nursing and EXPECTING first baby

RN and Mommy · Aug 4, 2006

I would tell your boss that you are pregnant and I think she'd appreciate you being upfront and honest with her. Besides that, there may be some patients you can't care for while you are pregnant. You want to think about the health of your baby first and foremost! Good Luck with everything!!!!!!

MIA-RN1, RN · Aug 4, 2006

I would tell now only if you have to deal with medications or agents that might risk the health of your developing baby. Otherwise, wait a few months to get acclimated. I wouldn't want to get 'written off' because of an impending maternity leave. Let them get to know you first.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Aug 4, 2006

I dont tell anyone that Im pregnant . They will find out soon enough with my big old belly hangin out..lol :lol2:

NJNursing, ASN, RN · Aug 8, 2006

I agree with some of the previous posters. Tell them now. I had this happen. I found out I was pregnant the week that I started a new job. They were upset because it seemed that they thought I kept it from them (I was 7 weeks along unknowningly). They accomodated me sorta(they refused to stop smoking around me - i wanted to quit every day because of that) but they were very nice when i went into preterm labor at 28 weeks and was put on bedrest until 40 weeks and then my 6 week maternity leave. If they were to fire you or something, it would be descrimination and NO hospital wants that potential press that they fired a pregnant nurse because she was still new. And the others are right - there's some disease processes and many medications you can't handle while pregnant, especially early on when everything is developing.

Good luck and congrats!

CYMBALS · Aug 30, 2006

I was in this same situation myself, until I had a miscarriage at 16 weeks. I had accepted the position in February (while still in school), and was 6 weeks pregnant when I began my first week of work in June. I had planned on waiting until the 2nd trimester to announce the pregnancy to my supervisor. However, I ended up having to tell my preceptor and several other nurses when they would ask me to assist in a room with a shingles patient. So I just let word spread, with the intention of talking it over with my supervisor during the early weeks of the 2nd trimester. Unfortunately I had the miscarriage before I ever got a chance. When I told my supervisor I miscarried, she was very supportive, and had already learned of the pregnancy.

You're human, and you're allowed to be pregnant and have a life outside of work. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about that! Chances are, they'll be supportive of you. Make sure you take care of yourself, and try to keep the first year in nursing stress down. Good luck & congrats.