Graduating in May, having a baby in April, need advice

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I am starting my last semester in a couple of days. I am currently 6 month pregnant, and will have my baby in April. I already talked to my school regarding my condition and they are willing to work with me, since there is only a 3 week difference between the due date and final exams. We have worked out the clinical schedule and since this is the maternity semester I am not to worried about it and will manage. My question is that many have told me to start applying for RN positions now, however, if I do apply and am called for an interview, how are the employers going to look at my pregnancy? Also, I want to start working as soon as possible. My husband is in real estate, and with the housing market the way it is allows him to be home, therefore he will be taking care of the children so I can work. I am finding it very difficult to find a job in the Philadelphia area, even in the suburbs. The hospitals are wanting experience. We've been considering to relocate to Austin, TX, however I'm a bit confused on how this is possible for me to finish school in Pa but take my NCLEX in TX, so that I'll be licensed in TX. I've found several great RN residency programs in Texas hospitals that I want to consider for applying. Can some one please give me advice. Its very confusing trying to figure out what the next step is. Thanks in advance

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Specializes in ED.
I am starting my last semester in a couple of days. I am currently 6 month pregnant, and will have my baby in April. I already talked to my school regarding my condition and they are willing to work with me, since there is only a 3 week difference between the due date and final exams. We have worked out the clinical schedule and since this is the maternity semester I am not to worried about it and will manage. My question is that many have told me to start applying for RN positions now, however, if I do apply and am called for an interview, how are the employers going to look at my pregnancy? Also, I want to start working as soon as possible. My husband is in real estate, and with the housing market the way it is allows him to be home, therefore he will be taking care of the children so I can work. I am finding it very difficult to find a job in the Philadelphia area, even in the suburbs. The hospitals are wanting experience. We've been considering to relocate to Austin, TX, however I'm a bit confused on how this is possible for me to finish school in Pa but take my NCLEX in TX, so that I'll be licensed in TX. I've found several great RN residency programs in Texas hospitals that I want to consider for applying. Can some one please give me advice. Its very confusing trying to figure out what the next step is. Thanks in advance

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When I graduated nursing school I was 9 months pregnant, and shortly after had an interview for a job. It went very well. I just tryed to make sure I didn't look too tired and wore something that didn't accentuate my already accentuated features:chuckle

I would definatly apply in Austin. It should be fine but if you have any questions about liscensing then contact the board of nursing in that state and they should be able to answer any questions you have.

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Specializes in ED.

Actually I was just thinking that they may look at your pregnancy as a good thing, that you are so far along in it that they won't be dealing with the issues of your pregnancy once you come on.

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Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.

If you're delivering before graduation how would that influence any possible job AFTER graduation?? Especially since you won't have childcare issues?

I'd think any prospective employee shouldn't have a problem with you being pregnant NOW :D

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Specializes in Cardiology - critical care.

Sounds like you have your hands full !! I would take the time you have now to finish school and prepare for boards .... you can take the NCLEX in any state. Find out where you will be living, and apply there for jobs. Technically, I think that places of employment can't discriminate because you are pregnant. The hospitals where I live do hire new graduates for floor nursing. Check around, you will find something!:)

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I am supposed to be graduating in May and am having a baby in February! I went for one interview over the break, but am going to leave my options open for now, just incase I can't finish in May I dont want to get too ahead of myself! I just wanted to say good luck with everything!

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Aren't we brilliant at timing things. I too had a baby in nursing school. I had to take a semester off. My tip to you is focus on you and the baby. School is 2nd. Finding a job 3rd. You won't be good to anyone if you don't remember to take care of you. Good luck!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

1. Congrats on your pregnancy. You might ask the instructors if you can do any assignments prior to May so that you have all your requirements satisfied. For instance, perhaps you could be precepted in a clinical for some extra hours, or create a storyboard, or slide show, etc.

2. Take the NCLEX in PA. The state Board of Nursing there will have all the paperwork from your school. If you move without taking the test, the Texas Board will have to communicate with the PA board, and maybe with the nursing school, then review your file to see if it matches Texas requirements----much easier to take the test in PA, get a PA license, then apply for a Texas license when you move. I don't know if PA is a compact state or not, but if they are, then you can actually work in Texas with a PA license for a short period while you wait for the TX license to come thru. Compact states are listed on www.ncsbn.org.

3. Austin is awesome. But so is Philly.

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Specializes in Trauma, Critical Care, Orthopedics.

first of all, congratulations on your pregnancy!!! i had a friend in nursing school who was about 2.5 months pregnant with her 2nd child at our graduation and was having an awful time getting through that last quarter of the program. she had terrible morning sickness just before our hesi exit exam and i remember her disappearing into the bushes constantly while we were trying to get some last minute studying in that morning. :eek: anyway, i give you so much credit for being able to do this. i also agree with the other posters. i don't believe your pregnancy will be an issue in getting hired for a position, especially if you are due prior to graduation. it's not as though you will still be preggers when you begin your employment.

2. take the nclex in pa. the state board of nursing there will have all the paperwork from your school. if you move without taking the test, the texas board will have to communicate with the pa board, and maybe with the nursing school, then review your file to see if it matches texas requirements----much easier to take the test in pa, get a pa license, then apply for a texas license when you move. i don't know if pa is a compact state or not, but if they are, then you can actually work in texas with a pa license for a short period while you wait for the tx license to come thru. compact states are listed on www.ncsbn.org.

unfortunately, pa is not a compact state (i had to look into this recently in my own job search). :( however, classicdame is correct, you could get your pa license, and then apply for licensure by endorsement in texas when you move. that would probably be the easiest way of going about things. the alternative is that you could fill out your licensure application for texas, have all your nursing school paperwork sent to the tx bon, and sit for the nclex here in pa. the nclex is a national exam and therefore, is the same in all states and can be taken in any state for licensure in any other state. in otherwords, you do not have to take the nclex in tx in order to be licensed in tx.

good luck in whatever you choose to do!

~cathy :heartbeat

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