Have I Committed Career Suicide?

[KaressaD]

I am a new grad RN who graduated in June and passed NCLEX in July. I guess I was a little excited to graduate because my last menstrual period was June 18th and I am now almost ten weeks pregnant. Welcome pregnancy, unwelcome interruption to the career that I was finally supposed to be able to have.

I have a history of placental abruption and premature labor. During my last pregnancy (just prior to nursing school), I was placed on automatic bed rest at 20 weeks. The pregnancy went very smoothly, so I don't anticipate deviating a whole lot from the care plan for this go-round.

Between being nearly 10 weeks right now and knowing that I will either be bedrested or at least unable to fully dedicate myself to the physical demands of a new grad job, I have decided that it is likely best if I delay employment until after delivery (financially this is within reach, which I am grateful for). Though I am early enough that I could obtain a job without the employer knowing I am pregnant, I don't think it would be fair to work for them for only a few weeks. I also know that FMLA would not protect my job since I obviously will not be there a year before taking a leave. I really wouldn't blame an employer for being disgusted, and I wouldn't have much time at all to make a good impression on the floor.

So my dilemma is: How do I keep the gap between licensure and first time employment from causing me problems when I am able to apply for jobs next year? I do not want an employer to see the gap and wonder if I've lost all my skills because I didn't have work experience to begin with and then let a year go by unemployed. To a certain extent, I am okay with explaining I was on bedrest and wanted to wait until I could fully dedicate myself to a job, blah, blah, blah.

I graduated with an ASN so I will be working on my BSN during this time, but I don't think it will be complete by the time I'm ready to apply for jobs. But what are some other things I can do to make sure the time is not wasted? And how do I make sure I stay current? I am also really hoping to work in an acute care setting for a first job. I really enjoy ICU and ER nursing, although I know new grads don't always get to be picky.

Thanks in advance for your input

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

If you're able to continue your education, that could really work out well for you. Hospitals in my area are becoming more reluctant to hire ADN grads, but being in a BSN program (especially having made good progress in a program) may help to make your case.

[Music in My Heart]

I wouldn't worry about an employer thinking that you'd "lost your skills" since you really don't have any as a new grad. Instead, what you have is potential.

Furthering your education continues that trajectory. You also need to take an active role in retaining and building your knowledge base by continuing to study your texts and obtaining subject-matter texts. For example, become a whiz at EKGs, be well-versed in sepsis protocols, get ACLS and PALS certs, etc.

And by all means, network with the nurses that you're in contact with through your pregnancy, delivery, and recovery.

[Good Morning, Gil]

I can see why you feel this way (did I really just say that? lol. But, I mean it sincerely and not in the rote therapeutic communication kind of way).

No, your career is far from over, and you have much to look forward to, a new baby, and a new nursing job. Your pregnancy will not prevent you from getting a nursing position you'll enjoy; yes, it may delay it, but there are things you can do now. The BSN is a good idea, and if you're able to, take as many classes as possible so that you can graduate earlier with it.

Also, take the ACLS/PALS course if you're serious about ER. If you want adult ICU, just ACLS will do. Since you won't actually be studying the important clinical knowledge in your BSN courses, the ACLS/PALS will be helpful as well as just keeping up with knowledge in general. Read the ICU faqs site to maintain your knowledge base.

You can also spend this time shadowing a nurse (if the hospital allows it) to ensure that you actually want the ICU or ER setting when you start. You can also volunteer for a free clinic for the uninsured/poor in your area doing paperwork or some other light duty. Not only will all of these things help you land a job, but they will make you feel that you're using your time wisely.

[33762FL]

It's not career suicide but it will certainly make it far harder to get that first job (a year from now) than it would if you were looking to start work right away. Continuing for BSN and certifications is good, but you'll still be an old new grad in a year, putting the desired specialties such as ICU and ER further from reach. Best of luck to you, hopefully you'll find something when you're ready to start your career.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

Congrats! Enjoy what is to come. Who knows hat the economy will be like in a year. Work on educating yourself in the meantime. I would volunteer somewhere as well. Keep busy now while you can.