I'm pregnant!!

[CrunchyMama, ASN, RN]

Took a couple tests over the weekend and they were positive. I called my midwifes office and made my 1st appointment. Ok, we are excited!! I'm in my last semester and we knew we wanted another eventually and I'm glad it's happening now that school is almost over. However I'm worried about finding a job! I have fertility issues and have needed meds to get pregnant with both my kids, so this is a ******* miracle and didn't expect it to happen, lol. We planned on waiting until I was working before seriously trying. So I'll be about 4 months pregnant at graduation and plan on taking the boards ASAP after that. How likely is it that an employer will discrimate against hiring a pregnant person? I know legally they probably can't, but I know it probably happens, right? Any experience with this?

[lifelearningrn, BSN, RN]

All I can say is congratulations... things will fall in place as everything happens for a reason. Take it one step at a time. :)

[CrunchyMama, ASN, RN]

Thank you mjmoon! :)

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

That's tough, would be much easier if you were newly pregnant since you wouldn't show much, by the third kid it seems like she show at 6 weeks. LOL

Anyway, congratulations.

[eharper]

I wouldn't worry too much about discrimination against you for being pregnant. If they do discriminate it is against the law and you probably wouldn't want to work for them anyway. Not to mention, you don't have to disclose that information at an interview (unless you feel like it of course), and at 4 months you more than likely will just barely be showing. But I agree with mjmoon, take one step at a time and everything will fall into place :) and CONGRATS :dncgbby:!!!

[CrunchyMama, ASN, RN]

Thanks all! You're definitely right about showing sooner, lol. I'm obviously hoping I won't have a problem, but ya never know. I'm thinking since I'll be about 5-6 months pregnant by the time I'm going on interviews, it'll definitely be hard to hide.....UNLESS I eat just salads from now on, lol.

[anonymousstudent]

When I was hiring I never hired a pregnant woman, but I hired 2 men who had pregnant wives that would be delivering soon after they started - our agency gave 6 weeks for the dads as well. If they want you they'll wait. Don't stress about it. :) Congratulations

[cgravier]

it wasnt me! :w00t:

[katebean04]

Congratulations!!!! What a blessing! I would not want to work for a place that would not hire me when I was pregnant. You have kids and they are going to have to understand that. I would take things one day at a time....and I have personally hidden a pregnancy on a job interview (not for nursing- I'm not quite there yet.) I was almost 5 months pregnant and got hired while wearing a VERY baggy sweater and keeping my hands in front of my belly. Good LUCK and CONGRATULATIONS!! Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy : )

[Student KMW]

Legally, you cannot be denied a job because you are pregnant. However, it does happen, and they often use another reason for not hiring a pregnant woman. You are not obligated to disclose your pregnancy status, but it might be hard for you to hide it, unless you begin interviewing shortly.

I would suggest contacting someone in the career center of your school (if there is one) to get some advice. Also, maybe you could speak to Human Resources to get a feel about policies at the hospitals you will be applying to.

Honestly, as long as you plan on returning to work after your maternity leave, and/or do not have any complications that would get in the way of work, it shouldn't be a problem. Where I work, we use float nurses to cover shifts if we cannot fully staff the unit, and our nurses are almost always willing to pick up extra shifts.

Congrats, and good luck!

[Despareux]

Congratulations!

[Nurse Maru]

You know what? I can't believe here we are, as women, in 2011 (not the 19th century) and here we are - STILL WORRIED about this because we all know very well that it does happen.