hiring pregnant RN

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jul 25, 2016

Well the first facility canned you because you are pregnant but didn't want to say that. I'm so shocked the second facility said that considering it's against the law.

cayenne06, MSN, CNM · Jul 25, 2016

If there is not a legitimate reason to disclose your health status (like needing light duty or concern about contact with teratogenic chemicals etc), then there is nothing unethical or immoral about keeping your private health information to yourself. Women should not be compelled to disclose their personal health information to prospective employers. I know it's annoying to deal with maternity leave, pregnancy complications, potential light duty restrictions etc. It's reasonable (but not defensible) for potential employers to want to avoid that. But it is unreasonable to expect women to accept this as a legitimate or defensible practice. The only ethical option, speaking as a single mom with two kids who are 100% financially dependent on me, is to lie about a known pregnancy until you are hired. Lie about it, and don't feel bad for one second.

bugya90, ASN, BSN, LVN, RN · Jul 25, 2016

I'm in a clinic. We hired a pregnant LVN last year. She interviewed really well and had the right experience. She only stayed 3 months and quit, she wanted more flexible hours and we are mon-fri 8-5. Hiring her was never an issue and she was showing so there as no hiding it. We knew when she was hired there would be restrictions and we looked at when her due date and maternity leave would be on her first day at the clinic so everyone else could plan vacations accordingly (small staff so only 1-2 can be on vacation at a time).

As I'm sure you know it is illegal to discriminate against someone just because they are pregnant. However, an employer will do everything they can to find a legitimate excuse not to hire you. I would not disclose the pregnancy until after you've started orientation. You can always claim you didn't know you were pregnant if asked, although I don't think they are legally allowed to ask. Land a job, start orientation, and get a doctors note for any restrictions that you may need (no lifting over X pounds, no patients with certain communicable diseases especially if your unit gets a lot of these, etc) and just give the note to your manager so assignments can be made appropriately.

LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN · Jul 25, 2016

I was pregnant when I became an lpn back in 2008. Didn't get until I delivered, I had several people flat out tell me they wouldn't hire me pregnant. Obviously they aren't allowed to say that but unless your recording there isn't much you can do.

LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN · Jul 25, 2016

Oh and I never mentioned I was pregnant either, I am always all belly pregnant so by the time I was 4 mo it was difficult to pass off as extra weight.

ap2409 · Jul 25, 2016

But see I had orientation scheduled and she put a sheet of paper in my face for me to fill out.. this was before orientation was even scheduled. The 2nd question was asking if I am currently pregnant. Other questions were if I have ever tested positive for TB, and things like this.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jul 25, 2016

But see I had orientation scheduled and she put a sheet of paper in my face for me to fill out.. this was before orientation was even scheduled. The 2nd question was asking if I am currently pregnant. Other questions were if I have ever tested positive for TB, and things like this.

I would've checked no. Especially if you aren't showing yet & won't for awhile. Like a PP said you could've lied & said you didn't find out until after. How will they know?

ap2409 · Jul 25, 2016

I have another interview tomorrow, should I be up front and tell them, or wait and possibly have an issue like the last

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jul 25, 2016

I have another interview tomorrow, should I be up front and tell them, or wait and possibly have an issue like the last

Are you showing? If not, keep it to yourself.

ap2409 · Jul 25, 2016

Yes. But I bought a new "interview" shirt that is loose on me and just makes me look chubby, I am wearing it to the interview, but in normal clothes and scrubs I look about 6 months preg, I'm petite and all belly, there's no denying it. I may be able to fool them for the first interview but not for long.

Alisonisayoshi, LVN · Jul 25, 2016

I just got hired into my dream job very very visibly pregnant. They know they only have like 10 weeks of orientation then I will need to be out. I was upfront with them that I'd like 8 weeks leave. They were really really open and understanding of my pregnancy. I simply stated it as a fact of hiring me and said "even though you cannot discriminate, I want you to understand that I know this causes considerable hardship, and personally I'd like you to consider that hardship when making your choice". I'd rather come onto a job honest.