Does anyone have any experience with hiring a RN who is pregnant, or someone who was hired while pregnant? I was offered a position and they seemed to be very eager to have me, moved my start day up 2 weeks, completed all paperwork, drug screen, voided check, the whole everything. Took in immunization records and filled out an "employment health screening" question #2: "are you currently pregnant?" I checked yes
Soon after completing this ( a few hours after leaving) I get a call saying they would not be able continue with my starting date and was retracting their job offer because they were unable to contact one of my references. ..
Immediately I felt a relief because I was never set on this facility, but I knew it had to be because I was pregnant. They required 5 references, I gave 7 or 8, 6 answered. One they were unable to contact, so couldn't hire me. Sounds like an excuse.
Also I had another facility flat out tell me they didn't want to hire me because I was pregnant, because after training I would only be able to work a few months before being off for maternity leave, that I should wait until baby is born and then come there for a job.
I am 15 weeks.. able to hide the belly still, no complications or restrictions with this pregnancy, wanting to work nights.
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
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.
I'm petite & all belly as well. Personally, unless they ask I wouldn't tell. Why do they need to know during the interview? I never told HR or the NM when I was in an interview that I have epilepsy or bipolar disorder. Why do they need to know? Unless it starts to affect your work, say nothing.
Specializes in Huntingtons, LTC, Ortho, Acute Care.
I have had several CNAs and a nurse urged to quit/transfer when the pregnancy announcement was dropped. I worked with a special population of patients that didn't have impulse control, and were prone to hitting/pushing. Not psychiatric care! I know it sounds it, but due to the nature of care I don't want to give too much away.
I personally wouldn't lie about my pregnancy. You're prospective employer knows their facility better than you do! They may have patients that are prone to violence, putting you and the baby at risk. They may require a lot of lifting and moving of patients. They may take very "dirty" patients that working with poses a threat to the fetus. They may even have many patients on "pregnancy alert" medications that you shouldn't even be handling. Denying employment, while disappointing may even be for your babies and your own protection.
at the end of the day... Health facilities are a business, and it costs money up front to hire an employee. Between doing required background checks and orientation, they hate the idea of investing to not even "get work" out of you. This is not a defense because it is wrong to deny based on pregnancy... However, it is important to see things from their end so you don't beat yourself up about it.
In your eyes you're a pregnant lady looking for a job so you can support your baby! In their eyes you're going to be a costly gamble, you may stay on board, you may not have complications or restrictions, you may come back after maternity leave, but there's the possibility you may not. Money talks in this world sadly! Best of luck! If you can't find a facility to work in look into doctors offices, home health, or even telephone triage, or answering services for doctors. I wish you the best and congrats on your bundle of joy!
Can we get back to that it appears paperwork given to occupational health was disclosed to the hiring unit/HR without your permission!! It's my understanding that occupational health is not allowed to disclose information to your unit/HR unless it creates an occupational hazard, i.e., you have TB, shingles, etc. If you had not asked for any restrictions related to your pregnancy, it can not be disclosed without your permission. This may very well be a HIPAA type violation of occupational health/DOL standards. Depends on the state you work in.
Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.
Totally would keep your mouth shut on this one. Women look pregnant for all kinds of reasons- fat distribution, recently pregnant, unusual body shape. Bring it up only after you are off orientation at the next job.
Girl keep that under your hat as my mama used to say. Some women never show until forever. I didn't start showing with my first until 6 months and my second until 7-8 months believe it or not. You have no obligation to disclose your health information to them, and after all some women go months without knowing they're pregnant. After 4 months then yell surprise.... but in the mean time if you need an income keep it to yourself.
Specializes in LTC, Wounds, Med/Surg, Tele, Triage.
Oh boy. I remember going through this myself. Long story short, I was hired into my current position at 5 months pregnant. Short story long... I was so nervous to interview. Actually had applied to this department 3 times (twice before pregnant) and of course get the HR call to interview (walking in the door after a long 12 hour night shift) mid pregnancy. I had so so so many fellow nurses tell me to follow the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Basically if they don't ask, I shouldn't tell. I heard all the stories of how it's illegal for them to discriminate against pregnancy but of course they could give other "reasons" for not selecting me. I wrestled and wrestled with it. I could still dress to hide it...but knew that wouldn't last for long! Decided to go through with the interview and feel the manager(s) out. At the end of the interview, they asked, did I have any questions or concerns for them. I immediately blurted out that I was 5 months pregnant. Luckily for me the one manager replied "oh we love babies!" and it was never an issue and they did voice that they appreciated the honesty and that it was a good reflection on my character. So, if there is a lesson in it, maybe it's better you wouldn't work for an employer who would discriminate against you based on your pregnancy. It's not the 50's anymore!!! They have obviously passed up on someone with good moral character...you answered honestly...as some have stated, it's early enough, you could have chose not to. Good luck and may you have a healthy pregnancy, smooth delivery, and happy job hunting
!!!
Addendum: My son is now 5. I love my job and have advanced well here! Don't give up!
I get why employers would not want to hire someone who'll barely finish orienting and "getting up to speed" before going out on leave. That's not including the special accommodations some people request which essentially just shift work onto other employees.
Don't get me started on people who go out on maternity "leave" and use up all their sick and vacation time all the while knowing they have no intention of returning. Is it legal? Yes. Is it moral? I don't think so.
I get why employers would not want to hire someone who'll barely finish orienting and "getting up to speed" before going out on leave. That's not including the special accommodations some people request which essentially just shift work onto other employees.
Don't get me started on people who go out on maternity "leave" and use up all their sick and vacation time all the while knowing they have no intention of returning. Is it legal? Yes. Is it moral? I don't think so.
Out of curiosity, how is it immoral to fully utilize a benefit due to the employee as a part of their compensation package? The employee traded skill work and time for those benefits.
That is like saying it is immoral to eat the french fries that came with your #4 special.
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Out of curiosity, how is it immoral to fully utilize a benefit due to the employee as a part of their compensation package? The employee traded skill work and time for those benefits.
That is like saying it is immoral to eat the french fries that came with your #4 special.
I know people who weren't pregnant but retiring & used up all their leave at the end. Some places you can cash it out so why not use it?
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.
Wow. It is ILLEGAL to discriminate in hiring against a woman for being pregnant. I'm sure it happens all the time, but at least they come up with non illegal reasons for not hiring! If you have this in writing, you're golden.
Also I had another facility flat out tell me they didn't want to hire me because I was pregnant, because after training I would only be able to work a few months before being off for maternity leave, that I should wait until baby is born and then come there for a job.
That is very illegal. Most places are smart enough to come up with a bs reason why they don't hire you.
As a new employee you will not qualify for FMLA. You may run into issues with arranging time off when baby arrives.
HOWEVER, according to the Department of Labor, it is illegal for them to ask if you are pregnant as part of the employment screening:
Do I have to tell potential employers I'm pregnant?
An employer cannot refuse to hire you because of your pregnancy-related condition as long as you are able to perform the major functions of your job. An employer cannot refuse to hire you because of its own prejudices against pregnant workers or the prejudices of co-workers, clients or customers. Therefore, an employer cannot ask you if you are pregnant or plan to have children.
If you are still early on in your pregnancy and not showing, you may choose to keep that information to yourself. Even if you volunteer the information or the employer is otherwise aware that you are pregnant, however, an employer cannot legally make hiring decisions based upon that information, but you should also recognize that it could be very difficult to prove that the reason you were not hired was because of your pregnancy.
OrganizedChaos, LVN
1 Article; 6,883 Posts
I'm petite & all belly as well. Personally, unless they ask I wouldn't tell. Why do they need to know during the interview? I never told HR or the NM when I was in an interview that I have epilepsy or bipolar disorder. Why do they need to know? Unless it starts to affect your work, say nothing.