Just accepted the job.. then this...

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Hi everyone,

I recently accepted a job offer with a hospital I really want to work at and have been doing all the pre-employment requirements but don't start until next week. I had the physical done about a week ago and had to get titers. So, while filling out the forms, i was asked on one of them if there's a chance I might be pregnant or if I'm planning on becoming pregnant within 3-4 months, and naturally didn't really think about it so I answered "no". Honestly, I thought my titers would all come back good too. Then a couple days ago I got a call back saying my varicella titer came back "equivocal" and I would need a booster shot in order to be cleared for work. Now, knowing I might have to get this varicella booster I started to think about whether or not I could potentially be pregnant because I am married and well, there is obviously some chance (not on BC). Anyway, I'm due to get my period next week (sorry for the TMI) which is the same week I start but then I would know for sure what the outcome is, and now I'm worried that if I tell them to hold off the vaccine for another week it will affect my start date and potentially employment status because I would assume they would have to notify the hospital of why I haven't been cleared and so on... idk what to do. If I do find out I am pregnant come next week, I mean same thing I'm still worried that this could potentially ruin my chances of working at this hospital. This is kind of a silly topic but it's a concern of mine and i'd like to hear if anyone has ever had a similar situation or maybe some suggestions.

Thank you!

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Are hospitals allowed to not hire you if your pregnant ? :s

Discrimination ?

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

Do you have a primary doctor that you see regularly? Or even an OB/GYN?

I wonder if one of them could possibly get you in to the office to do a serum

HCG? Or perhaps even a urine test would come back positive at this time?

Anyway, that way you would know?

Otherwise, you may just have to explain the situation to your employer.

I don't know of any other reasonable option. Just explain that you need

to make sure you are not pregnant before you receive that booster. They

may let you go ahead and start; do you have to do a formal classroom

orientation before you even go on the floor? Some places make you

do a formal classroom orientation; some don't.

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.
Are hospitals allowed to not hire you if your pregnant ? :s

Discrimination ?

They aren't discriminating; the OP is just wanting to know what to do about the

fact that they are telling her that she needs a varicella booster, and she MIGHT

be pregnant.

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How on earth is it any of their business if you are planning on becoming pregnant?

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Well, I know the first entire week is a new-hire orientation that is not even in the hospital and not on any floor so technically I would assume I have an extra week before even having to be on the floor with patient contact, however, I'm not sure if they have to clear me before the "official" start date which would be the 12th. I was thinking of calling to put off the vaccine until friday the latest and then just trying to do the blood test, like you suggested. I wasn't really sure if it will be enough time between getting the test done and the result back, but that's the only way I can go about it without having to tell them anything really. A win win situation I guess.

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Just in case of a situation like this really. It has more to do with getting the vaccines because some you can't get while pregnant because it can harm the baby while it's developing. Believe me, I thought the same thing when I read the question intially too.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Are you on any contraception? Edited: Just saw the part where you're not on BC. Are you TRYING to get pregnant?

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Not yet. But if it happens, it happens. That's why I'd rather be safe than sorry with this varicella shot. Anyway, I ended up calling the occupational health place and I put off the vaccine until saturday morning and I'm going to get the blood work done today. That way I can be sure before anything, so i guess it works out.

Thank you everyone for your comments and input! :)

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Wow and (possible) congratulations! Please keep us posted.

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Specializes in Critical care.

Tell your husband no nookie until after orientation is over.

Cheers

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
(sorry for the TMI)

I applaud your candor, newgirl877, and also your data-seeking method in this problem-solving process!

GREAT responses, members!

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