new job...just found out pregnant

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Oct 5, 2005

hello,
im new here and i recently graduated and got a position at a big hospital in our area. i am supposed to start training next week but 1st i have to have a complete physical. i found out sunday that i am pregnant with our second child. i am very excited because we HAD been trying for a while...unsuccessfully. quite trying...got pregnant. anyways, do they usually do pregnancy tests when you have a physical? if so, are they able to decide not to hire me? i figured it would be discremination, but what if they said they arent hiring me becasue i cant meet job requirements for lifting? any help would be much appreciated!

Not sure, but are you planning on not telling your employer that you are pregnant?

LincErin · Oct 5, 2005

Not sure, but are you planning on not telling your employer that you are pregnant?

im not sure what to do.....both my sister-in-laws are nurses and told me to wait until the training is over...i dont know though

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Oct 5, 2005

im not sure what to do.....both my sister-in-laws are nurses and told me to wait until the training is over...i dont know though

Not sure either, but I don't see why they would NOT hire you. You just might not qualify for pay maternal benefits (my guess only) and granted a certain time for maternal leave.

I still think that being honest upfront is the best route to go. Either way, I am so happy for you that you are having a baby and YOU decide what is best for you.

Good luck,

Jessica

LincErin · Oct 5, 2005

Not sure either, but I don't see why they would NOT hire you. You just might not qualify for pay maternal benefits (my guess only) and granted a certain time for maternal leave.
I still think that being honest upfront is the best route to go. Either way, I am so happy for you that you are having a baby and YOU decide what is best for you.
Good luck,
Jessica

thank you.....you are so sweet. i appreciate your advice

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Oct 5, 2005

thank you.....you are so sweet. i appreciate your advice

No problem. I know someone who can better advise you or has been in a similar situation will stop by soon.

Again, nothing but the best to you!

babynurselsa, RN · Oct 5, 2005

A pregnancy test should not be a part of an employee physical. If you are not able to forsee any immediate complications with this pregnancy I would not sweat it.

Barring complications your restrictions should be minimal, depending on what sort of area you are going to work in. Use good universal precautions and proper body mechanics and all should be well for you.

Since you seem so excited about your pregnancy my guess is you are going to have a hard time keeping it a secret for long. :)

Good luck to you.

LincErin · Oct 5, 2005

A pregnancy test should not be a part of an employee physical. If you are not able to forsee any immediate complications with this pregnancy I would not sweat it.
Barring complications your restrictions should be minimal, depending on what sort of area you are going to work in. Use good universal precautions and proper body mechanics and all should be well for you.
Since you seem so excited about your pregnancy my guess is you are going to have a hard time keeping it a secret for long. :)
Good luck to you.

thank you for your reply...so when SHOULD i tell them??? i HAVE to have this job. ill be doing nursery, postpartum an womens medsurg...2 week rotations, 12 hour shifts

babynurselsa, RN · Oct 5, 2005

Well obviously you won't be able to keep it mum for too long. If you feel like your manager is approachable tell her whenever you feel ready to. You are working in at least a "healthier area". Less communicable things floating around.

I say it is completely up to you when you tell them. Unless you forsee a problem then you may need to tell them sooner than you planned.

LincErin · Oct 5, 2005

if anyone else has any info i would greatly appreciate it...thank you to all that reply

babynurselsa, RN · Oct 5, 2005

LincErin,

I guess I am not sure what it is you are looking for.

You cannot be dicriminated against for being pregnant. That being said ,yes they could give another reason and withdraw your offer of employment and give another or no reason if you work in a right to work state.

It is good that you don't need the benefits since this would be deemed a "pre-existing" condition prior to coverage of ins.

You will not qualify for FMLA since you will not be at your position long enough before you deliver. However, if you are valued in your position many employers would let you take a LOA for maternity leave.

When you tell your employer is up to you, we cannot make this decision for you.

If you have no complications that would require a work restriction you could forseeably wait until you are showing to tell.

Pregnancy is not a disease so if you are healthy it is likely you will require no special accomodations. I worked right up until I walked out of the NICU down to check into L&D with my 3rd (Literally). With my 4th I worked right up to delivery in the ER.

ex1140 · Oct 8, 2005

I understand your apprehension, but I am working with a nurse that

started working for our facility while pregnant and she was a new

grad...and there was another facility that wanted to hire her also.

So, do what you have to and keep your head up...there is a nursing

shortage so you have the upper hand after the baby is born you will

be needed just as much as you are needed right now. :wink2: