Maternity discrimination

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hello, I am a nursing student. I am set to graduate this December and will be about 6 months pregnant at that time. Can you tell me if you have had any experiences with applying for a job pregnant? Do you find you are turned down more? Would you suggest waiting to apply after the baby is born?

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Specializes in Dialysis.

You can try to apply, but if your pregnancy is obvious, you may not get the job. Employers will spend big $$ on your orientation, especially if you're a new grad. They may not want to have to "break". Others may not care, but in the current competitive market, you never know. Best of luck to you and you soon to be family addition!

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one of my classmates graduated and she was about 24 weeks - she waited until 3 months after her son was born to apply since she wouldn't get a maternity leave (other than 6 weeks) if she didn't

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, educator.

I would wait until after the baby is born. You may have to go out in the middle of orientation if they do hire you and that would be rough. You will also only get 6 weeks leave, unpaid, after the baby is born. Take the time to

study for boards, get your house together, arrange for childcare if you need, and then spend time with your baby. If you are nursing it will give you ample time to establish and be able to pump and stockpile a good supply in the freezer to use when you go back to work. Good luck with your baby and job hunting!

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Specializes in Trauma, Orthopedics.

Honestly (at least where I live), by the time you passed boards, applied, and HR got around to calling you and offering you a job, it'll be around the baby's due date. I would probably spend my time relaxing and getting ready for baby, putting all my effort into passing NCLEX before baby comes. If I needed money desperately, I'd work seasonal in the mall or pick up a serving job. Something without the lengthy hiring process.

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Specializes in ER.

Why don't you use this as a natural break to give birth, bond with your newborn, and then look for a job. Doesn't that sound more pleasant than feeling discriminated against? If you are single, get welfare for a few months and enjoy your baby. Pinch pennies, you'll never get this time with your wee one back, it's precious and irreplaceable!

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I think you are going to have a hard time finding a job that will hire you. That doesn't mean it is impossible, but unlikely. You won't qualify for FMLA so you're job is not "safe" if you take a maternity leave.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You won't qualify for FMLA or maternity leave (as there is no way for you to work 12 months & 1200 hours before you need to take leave) and therefore your job may not be there when you return.

Like others stated the hiring process is generally not quick Between interviews, internal red tape, background & reference checks...

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I think waiting is the best bet. Even if you were able to find a job you would basically just be going through orientation and then having to take leave just to potentially feel lost when you return and expected to start where you left off. Better to spend time with the baby and start out fresh when you decide to go back to work.

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Specializes in ORTHO, PCU, ED.
Why don't you use this as a natural break to give birth, bond with your newborn, and then look for a job. Doesn't that sound more pleasant than feeling discriminated against? If you are single, get welfare for a few months and enjoy your baby. Pinch pennies, you'll never get this time with your wee one back, it's precious and irreplaceable!

Not everyone has money growing on trees. It is a precious time, but it's also important to be able to put food on the table. I hope it works out well for you OP. I'm actually in the exact same boat...

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

I interviewed for jobs at 10 weeks and 24 weeks. I wasn't showing either time (my interview suit still fit), but I didn't get either job.

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Specializes in Infection Prevention, Public Health.
I interviewed for jobs at 10 weeks and 24 weeks. I wasn't showing either time (my interview suit still fit), but I didn't get either job.

Then I would think that your pregnancy wasn't a factor. It can take a while to find a position as a new grad. If you can afford it financially I agree with others that it is best to have your baby first. Congrats on the baby and completing nursing school.

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