Just passed NCLEX & found out I'm 6 wks pregnant

Nurses New Nurse

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I could really use some advice. I just passed NCLEX and found out I'm 6 weeks pregnant. I'm in such a bind. I need a job since I didn't work throughout nursing school. However, I don't know how to approach a new job about this situation. I know it's not legal for them to ask me if I'm pregnant or plan to be etc, but I kinda feel bad knowing I will have to leave soon after starting. That's even if I could get into one in the next few months. What should I do?? The job market for New Grads in Cali is so tough now. I need a job!

Should I go for temporary non-RN (but in the health field) job in the mean time (ie. home helper, med assistant or unit coordinators)?? Or is that moot because I'm now licensed?

How will this affect my RN status once I am able to go back to work after the baby is born? Will it look poorly that I didn't work soon after becoming licensed?

Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated...TIA

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I'm new to this too (graduated in May, passed NCLEX in June) but I think time off to have a baby makes perfect sense. I'd go ahead and apply/interview now and see what happens as long as you're prepared to not take more than 6 to 12 weeks maternity leave. The new grad program I'm entering asks for a 2 yr commitment or that you pay back a dollar amout they deem comparable to the training. That 2 yrs can be paused for things like maternity leave. I'm not sure about working in healthcare not as an RN. I've been told by an employee of one hospital that you can't work below your license and from a different employee at another hospital that you can.

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I'm new to this too (graduated in May, passed NCLEX in June) but I think time off to have a baby makes perfect sense. I'd go ahead and apply/interview now and see what happens as long as you're prepared to not take more than 6 to 12 weeks maternity leave. The new grad program I'm entering asks for a 2 yr commitment or that you pay back a dollar amout they deem comparable to the training. That 2 yrs can be paused for things like maternity leave. I'm not sure about working in healthcare not as an RN. I've been told by an employee of one hospital that you can't work below your license and from a different employee at another hospital that you can.

I can't imagine signing a contract where you have to pay an employer back a dollar amount for training you if you quit before the term is up :eek:. Until the economy took a dive recently some of the hospitals near me would give you what they called "loan forgiveness" where they would give you $5,000 (or other amounts for different lengths of time) if you agree to work 2 yrs for them. If you quit, you had to pay it back, but it had nothing to do with them charging you for training. It was supposed to help you pay for school loans or just be a bonus for hiring on with a committment.

I would apply for jobs and try and get hired, don't worry about the pregnancy. Hopefully you will find a job you like and will just take a maternity leave and return to your job after the baby comes, even if only part time. I would try and get a part time job so you aren't overwhelmed with hormones, tiredness, and stress! Good luck! I would not just take a break for the next year and not work as a nurse, that doesn't seem like a good plan.

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Specializes in MedSurg, Clinic, ER.

Don't have much in the way of advice but wanted to offer you congrats on your recent good news! Congrats on passing the NCLEX and congrats on the kiddo! I do hope everything works out well for you!

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Specializes in NICU.

I wouldn't worry about the pregnancy and finding employment. I was in your shoes a year ago. Found out I was pregnant after graduating. I didnt tell my employer until the time was right. I was able to take off for 6 weeks, they call it short term medical leave where I work. I would definitely continue the search for a nursing job.

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