Pregnant and new job

Nurses General Nursing

Published

  1. When to tell new employer I'm pregnant?

    • 7
      At the start of orientation (13 weeks)
    • 2
      During orientation after 16 week ultrasound
    • 7
      At the end of orientation (19 weeks)
    • 10
      Literally ASAP!! Even before starting orientation
    • 2
      Wait even longer

28 members have participated

Specializes in ED, CTICU, Flight.

I've scoured the internet for advice on this and have asked some close friends but I am still not sure what to do.

I was recruited for an ICU position at a different hospital than I am currently working in and I accepted. When they called, my husband and I had just found out the week prior that I was pregnant. We hadn't had our first ultrasound or anything. When I start orientation (orientation will be 7 weeks long before going on the floor), I will be just shy of 13 weeks pregnant. We haven't even publicly announce our pregnancy to anyone other than close family and several of our closest friends.

What is the proper etiquette on this?

Obviously I didn't mention it in my interview because we hadn't even confirmed viability (we had been having difficulty conceiving). But now, I feel like I am walking this line of we aren't even comfortable telling friends, coworkers, and extended family yet let alone my employer. I know they can't fire me for being pregnant, but I'm not even past the first trimester and as I mentioned, I don't like the idea of telling people I'm closer to, so I don't want to rush to tell my new employer right this instant. But I don't want to wait so long they would think I was trying to hide it from them.

So I'm debating between telling them at the start of orientation (around 13 weeks), after I have my 16 week ultrasound, or at the end of orientation (around 19 weeks). I don't think it would be a good idea to wait any longer than that.

What should I do? Particularly interested in hearing from nurse managers or those who have anything to do with the hiring process.

I'd be more worried about leave and possibly short term disability pay. For my first baby, I got $1000 a week, tax free, for about 6 months. I was a full time employee. For my second baby, I got the minimum amount of time off and no pay at all. I only worked occasionally at that point.

Specializes in ED, CTICU, Flight.

I have already reviewed their maternity and FMLA leaves and have no concerns in that regard, but thank you.

Specializes in ICU.

I would tell them at the start of orientation for your own safety. There are plenty of assignments that pregnant women should not take, and we see them a lot in ICU. You're gonna wanna refuse droplet rooms, shingles rooms, etc for baby's safety.

I would tell them early on so they know how to schedule you safely with patients. There are certain diseases you will see especially in icu that you should not come into contact with. It's not really that big of a deal.

you need to tell the new job that offered you icu position. they probably arent looking to train someone who will then turn around and take at least 3 months off. Its pretty selfish on your part to even think that would be ok. to dump the extra responsibility on the unit of having to cover for 3 months that you are brand new to isnt ok either. Stay at your current job until you can make a real commitment to the new job.

they cant fire you for being pregnant but they also dont have to hire you either. its pretty shady to hide it to secure a position.

Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.
you need to tell the new job that offered you icu position. they probably arent looking to train someone who will then turn around and take at least 3 months off. Its pretty selfish on your part to even think that would be ok. to dump the extra responsibility on the unit of having to cover for 3 months that you are brand new to isnt ok either. Stay at your current job until you can make a real commitment to the new job.

they cant fire you for being pregnant but they also dont have to hire you either. its pretty shady to hide it to secure a position.

Her question was not should she take the position, but when should she tell. Pregnant women/mothers DO have the right to advance our careers, after all; plus, employees in general do have the right to consider our own needs when making career decisions. And as my manager said (I had conceived in between interview and offer), "When hiring large numbers of young women, babies happen."

Now if she plans to be a SAHM after her leave sure...I'd agree that she isn't the best candidate. But if she is planning to return? The hospital still gets its staff member -- after a temporary medical leave which is par for the course with women of childbearing age.

1 Votes
Specializes in Pedi.
you need to tell the new job that offered you icu position. they probably arent looking to train someone who will then turn around and take at least 3 months off. Its pretty selfish on your part to even think that would be ok. to dump the extra responsibility on the unit of having to cover for 3 months that you are brand new to isnt ok either. Stay at your current job until you can make a real commitment to the new job.

they cant fire you for being pregnant but they also dont have to hire you either. its pretty shady to hide it to secure a position.

OP has already been offered and accepted the position. It would be illegal for the new employer to rescind the offer over her pregnancy. I have encountered this situation with colleagues before. One nurse and one CNA. The nurse was in a similar situation to the OP, found out she was pregnant either shortly after accepting or shortly after starting the new position. I don't remember when she told management but she got a maternity leave, came back and then left not long after. The CNA knew she was pregnant and intentionally hid it during the interviewing process. She actually still works on that floor many years later.

Specializes in Critical care.
I have already reviewed their maternity and FMLA leaves and have no concerns in that regard, but thank you.

FMLA applies only after a year with the employer:

An employee who works for a covered employer must meet three criteria in order to be eligible for FMLA leave. The employee must:

• Have worked for the employer for at least 12 months;

• Have at least 1,250 hours of service in the 12 months before taking leave;* and

• Work at a location where the employer has at least 50 employees within 75 miles of the employee's worksite.

https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf

Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Pregnancy is not your employer's business unless and until you require consideration for your or your baby's safety and well-being.

When you reasonably anticipate the need for modifications (such as not being exposed to X-rays, chemo, or other teratogenic agents) speak confidentially to your supervisor. Until then, it is entirely your choice.

Best of health to you!

Specializes in ICU; Telephone Triage Nurse.

I think it is none of their business until you are ready to share. I recall a new hire when I was working ICU that I didn't notice until well into her 3rd trimester since she was extremely physically fit. It didn't impact her ability to work in the least. Now this is one women, not at all how I was affected, but your personal business is yours to share when you are ready - I truly do not believe this can be cause for you to be penalized for. Reproduction is not punishable.

You know, this would be a great question to ask Nurse Beth about! She has much knowledge and information that would be beneficial to you. Ask her. She would be a great source of Information.

Many blessings to you and your family!

So weird...I just read a manga's chapter on a related topic: Please wait 5 seconds... (The whole manga is awesome and educational at the same time. High recommend. Side note: The manga's pages are read right to left.)

To get back to the point: You should tell them as soon as possible - for your safety and that of the baby, and so you may possibly postpone your orientation. You may have to reapply this job opening and others again after you have the baby; unless you are desperate for money, this would be the safer choice. A sane, hiring manager should understand the delay.

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