Getting pregnant at the end of nursing school..... terrible idea?

MemphisTiger · Feb 24, 2011

I don't see how any HR recruiter or nurse manager would want to hire someone who is visibly pregnant. While they can't outright discriminate against you, I would think they would hire a non-pregnant new grad over you.

ruralgirl08 · Mar 1, 2011

I have to agree with the above poster. I would be tempted to get pregnant after you get the job and pass the probation period, that way you will have some recent nursing expereince after graduation. But if you cannot wait, maybe waiting until you are done staying home with the baby would be a good idea. Depending on what nursing job you plan on doing, you may not be able to physically stay on working as long as you like if you were to get hired being already 5 months along. I work on a heavy floor, and most nurses leave at around 8 months pregnant, due to the heavy lifting, walking, ect.

Jules A, MSN · Mar 2, 2011

Keep in mind that you won't be eligible for FMLA to protect your position during maternity leave if you are lucky enough to get one as a visibly pregnant new grad. My opinion would be to wait until you have worked a while both for yourself and your future family but good luck with whatever you decide.

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Mar 2, 2011

If there aren't fertility issues, I would work a year before trying to conceive. That way, you will have experience, so you won't be looking for work as a new grad when you want to return to work. You will have at minimum 1 year 9 months, if you get pregnant right away and work until delivery. (if you hopefully make it to the end of the pregnancy) I did this, and it worked out great. I am on leave for the 3rd time now with my third kid. I am glad I had experience before taking time off. I had a a bit over 2 years experience when I went on leave the first time. I wouldn't want to be possibly sick (vomiting and headaches) and pregnant my first year on the job if possible. There is so much to learn, I wouldn't want to be distracted. Plus, people may not take you seriously and want to help you learn if they know you are leaving anyway. However, if there are health/fertility issues, I would try to conceive now. Having kids is something very special, and can't be put off indefinatly. I would choose that over anything if it is a now or never type thing. It is awesome you will be able to stay home for a year after delivery. I do it/did it each time, and wouldn't trade that time off with the baby for the world!

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Mar 2, 2011

Honestly, it would be hard for you to get a job 5 months after graduation let alone work for five months before having a baby. Five months is not an efficient enough amount of time to learn as a new grad before taking a year off. I would suggest waiting at least a year of solid work. I know it is hard to wait. My husband and I have been married over 10 years and I have been a nurse for just shy of two years and now we are finally actively trying.

nurse2B444 · Mar 2, 2011

thanks everyone for your thoughts. I was afraid it would be that way. It seems as though waiting a full year after graduation is the most sensible choice. That's two years from now though, so I'll definitely try to figure out another way. Possibly not taking a full year off, or returning to work part time would be a better option. A big part of me is afraid of waiting to start a family and then not being able to find a job for a while (people on my floor are still working as techs a year after graduation!!), wasting time that could otherwise be used growing that baby!

thanks again!