I'm pregnant and starting a new job, do I tell my employer???

Kim O'Therapy, BSN, RN · Apr 22, 2006

I wish I knew a good answer, but I don't because I went through the same thing, but was 8 months pregnant at the time. It is discrimination to reject someone due to pregnancy, but they can find other ways around that. I was not a nurse, but I still got a great job in my field - even at 8 months!

Good luck!

AggieNurse2B · Apr 22, 2006

I'm going to weigh in on the side of telling the nurse manager at your meeting next week. Although they were not nursing jobs, I landed TWO jobs while pregnant (at about the point in pregnancy you are). I found that employers are almost afraid NOT to hire you for fear of discrimination suits. I struggled with the same question when I faced the same situation and finally came to the conclusion that if they DIDN'T hire me b/c of my pregnancy, it wasn't a firm/company I wanted to work for anyway. What would it be like if my baby got sick? Would they give me grief over my sick kid? At the point that you start a family, it's more important that you have a family-friendly employer, IMHO.

Kim O'Therapy, BSN, RN · Apr 22, 2006

I'm going to weigh in on the side of telling the nurse manager at your meeting next week. Although they were not nursing jobs, I landed TWO jobs while pregnant (at about the point in pregnancy you are). I found that employers are almost afraid NOT to hire you for fear of discrimination suits. I struggled with the same question when I faced the same situation and finally came to the conclusion that if they DIDN'T hire me b/c of my pregnancy, it wasn't a firm/company I wanted to work for anyway. What would it be like if my baby got sick? Would they give me grief over my sick kid? At the point that you start a family, it's more important that you have a family-friendly employer, IMHO.

Great point! :idea:

mhull · Apr 22, 2006

I personally would not tell them until after the job offer. That way you know for sure the are mot discriminating against you. But another thing to think about, if you are planning on using their insurance for this pregnancy, it may not cover you due to it being a "preexisting illness" or whatever they call it.

Michelle

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 22, 2006

oppss....sorry. Post deleted. I misunderstood.

Good luck with the job and the pregnancy. Kudos on both!

CEG · Apr 22, 2006

I probably wouldn't tell them until after the interview. I did the same thing with nursing school and although everyone was a little shocked when I showed up to orientation 8 months pregnant everything worked out okay.

One thing to think about though, is that sometimes you have to work somewhere for a while to be eligible for benefits. I have heard of up to a year, so you may want to double check that. It might be awhile before you are eligible for that much time off unless your NM is supportive.

I hope it works for you. Good luck!

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Apr 22, 2006

If you aren't very far along, it is reasonable that you wouldn't even know yet that you are pregnant. (Even though you do) I would wait just a little after the offer (like a week) and then tell them you "just" found out. But thats me... I wouldn't want to risk not getting the job. They could always say they found someone more qualified, and then they would be off the hook w/ a discrimination charge. Please don't commit to how much time you want off w/ the baby right now. So many people change their minds after the birth. I originally wanted 6-8 weeks off then go back part time... I am now 6 months post-partum and don't plan on returning yet!!!

Jolie, BSN · Apr 22, 2006

You have no legal obligation to disclose your pregnancy during the hiring process or once employed until you choose to do so.

Having managed a maternal-child health unit, I can tell you that this area of nursing tends to attract nurses of childbearing age, so pregnancies and maternity leaves are just a matter of routine.

You will not qualify for FMLA protection at the time of your leave, so be sure you understand your facility's policy on maternity leaves and communicate your intentions clearly to your manager and HR in order to protect your job and paid time off.

Best of luck in your new career and with your pregnancy. What an exciting time of both fronts!

J'sGirl82 · Apr 22, 2006

I did NOT disclose my pregnancy until I was almost in my 5th month. It's a catch 22-no matter what descision you make. Me...I would hold off on telling them. But that's just me.

Congrads BTW !

:balloons:

allnurses Guide · Apr 22, 2006

I would tell the truth. I'm not an employer, but looking at it from their point of view, would you want to hire someone who is withholding information that is pertinent?

This happened to me, not nursing related, and I voluntarily withdrew from the job offer. (I did find out after being hired). I didn't think it was fair for this company to spend money to send me to New York for 6 weeks of training only to have me leave 8 months later. The man who hired me was very kind and praised my truthfulness and offered to hire me anytime I wanted to come back.

I just think honesty is the best policy.

Good luck and congratulations on your pregnancy!!:balloons:

steph

CarVsTree · Apr 22, 2006

No advice on whether to tell them now or later (don't think its all that important to be honest). However, you may not be eligible for any leave at the new employer. Many maternity leave policies are only in effect if you've already worked for employer for 1 year. So in that case, you need to tell them and find out if your maternity leave would be covered or would you be at risk of termination for a leave of absence.