Just posting for some advice or criticism as to if I'm doing the right thing.
I just left a contract position after a "misunderstanding," am 12 weeks pregnant and looking for a new job. I have two interviews on Wednesday and I AM going to tell the nurse managers that I am pregnant. I also plan to mention I understand that I will not be entitled to FMLA. I have no pregnancy risks and I will have a scheduled C-section as my doctor does not perform VBAC. I plan to work up until the day I deliver. And I WILL return after 6 weeks. I was in the Marine Corps and i don't need 12. I already have daycare reserved. I'm not interested in insurance because I'm covered on my husbands Federal Plan. I'm just worried I will not receive the offer for the fact that I am pregnant. I'm not one of those people that say "im pregnant I can't go into contact rooms" or things like that (Im sure you all have ran into those types and truly I cant stand people that use pregnancy as an excuse to not work). I can afford to stay home up until this child is born as I am a responsible person with a savings account and ROTH IRA. but I don't want to deplete my savings if I don't have to. I was thinking of taking two travel assignments up till the point that I have the baby. But I'd rather just get oriented and be ready to go at a permanent position. What do you think?
Specializes in Mental Health, Medical Research, Periop.
I was in this situation 5 years ago, I did not mention I was pregnant until after I got the job. Needless to say, I was a great worker, the pregnancy wasnt an issue, and even though I didnt recieve FMLA, they accepted me back because qualifications override pregnancy. WHy do I say dont mention it? Well youre only 12 wks, complications can occur anytime and this may worry a potential employer. But in the end, only you can make the decision for you. GOOD LUCK!
Being that early on in pregnancy, I probably wouldn't say anything. It's already hard enough to get a job... and I'm sure managers will think about you calling out sick, possible pregnancy complications, and the fact that you will have to take several weeks off after the baby is born.
However, I was like 37 weeks pregnant during my first nursing interview at a family practice, and was VERY obviously pregnant. She mentioned it I just assured her like you did I guess, 6 weeks off, daycare situated, etc. She hired me the next day and I started when my baby was 6 weeks old :)
I also disagree with those who say it is "dishonest" not to tell.
First, employers are not legally allowed to make a hiring decision based on whether or not a woman is pregnant.
Second, even if you tell them, and they still hire you, it's early enough in your pregnancy that it won't make any difference if they know prior to hiring you or after, as long as you give them enough notice to be able to cover your shifts while you are off.
Third, telling your employer now that you are pregnant would not change the way they are supposed to proceed with that information in any way, regardless of whether you are pregnant now, became pregnant after starting the job, or were not pregnant at all.
There is a reason that employers are not allow to ask if you are pregnant, so it's not dishonest not to offer that information. I still say don't tell.
I just assured her like you did I guess, 6 weeks off, daycare situated, etc. She hired me the next day and I started when my baby was 6 weeks old :)
Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN
557 Posts
I was in this situation 5 years ago, I did not mention I was pregnant until after I got the job. Needless to say, I was a great worker, the pregnancy wasnt an issue, and even though I didnt recieve FMLA, they accepted me back because qualifications override pregnancy. WHy do I say dont mention it? Well youre only 12 wks, complications can occur anytime and this may worry a potential employer. But in the end, only you can make the decision for you. GOOD LUCK!