Interviewing while visibly pregnant

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The other day I applied for a job in the cvicu of a trauma center hospital. I am 25 weeks pregnant. My question is what is the best way to go about the interview? What types of questions might I encounter? Do I mention the pregnancy if not mentioned by the interviewer? I don't think I really thought I'd get invited for an interview, I don't know why. I guess I was thinking start applying now and maybe by the time someone gives me an interview it will be just about time for the baby. I am super excited about the prospect of being a cc nurse, but am not sure what to do now to get them to want to hire a woman who is visibly 25 weeks preg.

Thank!

ps, I have searched the topic. The replies didn't really answer my questions.

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I had an interview when I was about 25 weeks also. Interview went really well et they offered me the job. So when they did not bring up the subject, I did. I said, "If I take the job, what happens when I have the baby." They just told me that I would be able to take my maternity leave et come back when ready. That is just what happened. It worked out really well. And I was suprised they did not bring it up.

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

I had an interview when I was pregnant although not obvious when I mentioned it the interviewer got really cross and told me that as an equal opportunities employer they didnt want to know and would not discuss it further.

They offered me the job and had full maternity leave with pay but that was in the UK so US may be different

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I interviewed for a job (non-nursing) while I was about 6 mths pregnant. I got the position, but because I wasn't there for a full year prior to my delivery, I didn't receive any maternity leave pay. The insurance portion was covered (because I was effective on the date I started), but I had to use all of my paid time off while I was on my leave. I also wasn't guarenteed that my position would be there when I returned... (it was still there however as no one in there right mind would have wanted my position at the time...LOL)

HTH's with your decision! Good luck in your interview!!!

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I currently work in HR, going back for nursing in July, and legally the interviewer is not allowed to ask questions about you being pregnant, if you are married, and things like that. If you are asked something like that, although obviously pregnant, you do have the right to refuse to answer the question.

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I had just started to show when I interviewed for a great position - while I could have chosen not to mention it (since they didn't know what I looked like before the pregancy) I decided to bring it up anyhow, in the context of asking about their maternity leave policy. The interviewer was actually really great and thanked me for letting her know; I then was asked back for a second interview and eventually got the job.

For myself, I rationalized telling them up front based on the fact that I just wanted to get it out of the way, and that if they responded poorly it would be a good indication that it might not be a place I'd want to work anyways.

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CubFan09 just mentioned this, but yeah, it's illegal for an employer to ask about pregnancy, marriage etc. in an interview. You're under no requirement to disclose this, and can file suit if an interviewer would ask.

Also: please don't take my word on this, as I could be mistaken. Check the facts with HR should you get a job offer. But I believe unpaid maternity leave is covered by the Family Medical Leave Act. An employer is required to give you something like 12 weeks of unpaid time off to care for a sick child, parent, spouse (I think maternity falls under this umbrella.) and return to your current position. But I also think you have to be an employee for 12 months, so I guess it wouldn't apply to you anyway. Good luck though.

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If your screen name is accurate then I wouldn't worry about the pregnancy affecting your hiring. However you will hear some gnashing of teeth if you leave after getting your year or 2 experience needed for CRNA. Then they'd probably moan a little after investing all that time and resources in you. But that's their problem .

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I should clarify that I definitely agree with the everyone stating the fact that one is under no obligation at all to share this info with an employer, and that it's illegal to be asked. But once I started to look pregnant, I thought I might as well share it up front, and use the interviewer's response as a screen of sorts for how they might be as an employer.

Also, for each of the places where I was offered positions, I wouldn't yet have been eligible for paid leave, but each did honor the FMLA, allowing for unpaid leave while keeping my position open for me until my return. btw - FMLA only applies to employers with, I think, more than 50 employees; in smaller practices or clinics, they either can make their own rules or, if your state has its own medical leave act to fill this legal hole, will need to follow these rules.

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Thank you to every one who responded. I really feel better about the pregnancy and can now focus on the interview. Any tips on interviewing? not that I've never done it before, but never for an icu position. thanks again.

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