If you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans

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I have been a nurse for a year, I was lucky enough to find a job straight out of school. After 9 months at my mediocre first job, I was lucky enough to land my dream job... overnights in the ED of a very busy level II hospital not too far from my house!!! I can't even believe how lucky I am that the director of the emergency room decided to give me a chance. I am on my second week of orientation and will starting out on the floor on Monday... I am so excited!!! I am the mother of 2 young girls and this schedule will work out fantastically with their school, and me being home more.

So what's the problem you might say???? Well, I just found out I'm pregnant... (let me just preface this whole thing by saying that I AM happy I am going to have another baby.. all children are blessing, and I can't wait to meet my new little one).. I can't even believe that I am writing those words. I can't say that I didn't want to have another child, but the timing, is really just so off!! I can't even believe that after working at this new job for 9 months, 5 months on my own, I will have to go on maternity leave. To be honest I feel like an idiot... This job is the perfect opportunity for me, they hired me with only my associates degree, and they have magnet status!! I can't help but feel dread when thinking about telling my manager that I'm pregnant. And who knows if my job will be there after I am done with maternity leave. I am just in shock, and I don't know what to do... The only thing I can think of is that saying that goes "if you want to hear God laugh, tell him your plans".

Are there any mothers who have had a similar experience?? Any advice on how to make the ED and motherhood x3 work???? I am just thinking about a newborn, and working overnights, and being up all night, and not being able to sleep during the day. And my manager, this woman is amazing, and so smart and really giving me a chance by giving me a job, I almost feel like I'm going to disappoint her!!!

And I really just needed to vent to some anonymous people who will maybe offer some advice. I have been listening to my husband tell me for 3 days that everything is going to be ok, and I KNOW it is.. but I don't think you can really understand if you're not living the nurse life.

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

Thread moved for more response.

Good luck!

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I have had several co-workers have babies in the first year of employment. People will understand. You still have many months to do your orientation and training, take maternity, and come back to work. You may even decide to do part time for awhile. They have invested a lot of money and time to train you and if you are a good nurse they will be happy to have you, maternity leave and all.

I work with many younger nurses who are just starting their families, including on the night shift. They all seem to make it work out and I'm sure you can, too. Congrats on your job! And on your baby to be!

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I took a job as ICU/CCU/Stepdown charge in January and discovered I was pregnant within a few weeks (baby born in mid August). They gave me a great baby shower and told me I was welcome back.

Don't worry too much about it. If you do well, they'll be happy to have you back after a maternity leave. Make the most of the months while you have energy! (And yes, it is possible to do good CPR at 8 1/2 months, but it's crowded on the bed :) ! )

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Specializes in PACU, pre/postoperative, ortho.

Just reading your title made me think of the inconvenient timing of my last pregnancy.....smack dab in the middle of nursing school.:what:

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I love your post and completely understand how you feel. I did not want kids ever, never been pregnant before in my life!!! And now I'm four months preggo ( failed birthcontrol). I've been at my job for over a year and now have to plan to take maternity leave and basically shift my who life around. But you're right, babies are blessing and I'm sure you will make it work just like I will. Congrats to us !!!!

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Thank you all for the kind words! What a comfort to hear from other nurses that I have time to prove myself, and that a baby, and maternity leave is not the end of a career. Right now I'm just going to focus on the ED and doing a fantastic job, and just take everything as it comes. I've worked too hard and for too long, to let anything side track me. When I start to pop, I will just have to let my manager know that I haven't just been on an ice cream binge. :sarcastic:

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And now I'm four months preggo

And congratulations to you prnqday!! Motherhood... it's a roller coaster like no other, but you will love the person that you become from it!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Thank you all for the kind words! What a comfort to hear from other nurses that I have time to prove myself, and that a baby, and maternity leave is not the end of a career. Right now I'm just going to focus on the ED and doing a fantastic job, and just take everything as it comes. I've worked too hard and for too long, to let anything side track me. When I start to pop, I will just have to let my manager know that I haven't just been on an ice cream binge. :sarcastic:

I just posted about being a MOM in another thread....go there and read it....I think it will help....((HUGS)) CONGRATS!!!! https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/being-sahm-after-930725.html

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Specializes in Inpatient Oncology/Public Health.

I got pregnant almost immediately after moving cross country and landing a new job. I was nervous since I didn't qualify for FMLA etc but I worked nights(not ED though!) and it all worked out. I learned just what a rare blessing babies are when I tried to have my 2nd. 2 years, 2 specialists and 4 losses later and he finally arrived! I hope all goes well for you, congrats on the job and the pregnancy!

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Thank you for all the advice!! I really do enjoy learning how other mothers have done it, and how even though it's hard (what isn't?), it is doable and will be ok. And sistermoon, congratulations on your little miracle arriving!

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Congrats! You should not feel bad at all you got this! Speaking from a mom who got pregnant with twins in nursing school LOL :)

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