5months pregnant. Should I apply to new job?

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 3, 2011

I am 5 months pregnant and my baby bump is obvious. I work per diem at a small community hospital that is possibly going to close in the near future and I am also getting a lot of cancelled shifts due to low census. I need your advice and opinions if I should search and apply for a new RN position at a different hospital or if I should wait until after mat leave. My concern is if the hospital closes down, I will loose any oppertunity of applying to internal positions. Your opinions and advice are appreciated!

If you need insurance to cover the birth of your baby, I'd look now... JMHO. With a hospital closing, there will be a lot of people looking for a job. I've seen nurses work well into their pregnancy. :)

C0252786 · Aug 3, 2011

I have my husband's insurance. I just want to know if I'm wasting my time at the interview. Will the manager just take one look at me and not want to hire me kinda thing. Thanks.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 3, 2011

I have my husband's insurance. I just want to know if I'm wasting my time at the interview. Will the manager just take one look at me and not want to hire me kinda thing. Thanks.

I don't think so :) In a predominately female field, there are going to be pregnancies all the time :) At least the interviewer would know that you're already half done!! (at least with this kiddo!!)

C0252786 · Aug 3, 2011

Thanks. I will go ahead and try!

MagsMom · Aug 3, 2011

I would also start applying because when interviewing practice helps! Also, a friend of mine interviewed for a job when she was 8 months pregnant - they didn't offer her the job but a better one which they had not posted yet because the person was not leaving 6 months. She is now working in that position and likely would not have gotten it if she had not been trying.

resilientnurse · Aug 3, 2011

I got hired at 9 months pregnant! I had already started orientation when I gave birth. I phoned HR to explain that I would not be in because I was in the hospital and they were surprised claiming they had no idea I was pregnant. Incredible! I went back to work there. Just writing to let you know that you can indeed get a job pregnant.

Sl1011 · Aug 3, 2011

I got hired at 9 months pregnant! I had already started orientation when I gave birth. I phoned HR to explain that I would not be in because I was in the hospital and they were surprised claiming they had no idea I was pregnant. Incredible! I went back to work there. Just writing to let you know that you can indeed get a job pregnant.

Lol, wow. I also got hired at 9 months pregnant... I think I was 37.5 or something. My belly bump was VERY noticeable, and the hiring lady knew I was pregnant. I started when my baby was 6 weeks old.

Definitely apply.. you never know :) GL

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2011

I don't think there is any harm in applying and I don't believe that you will be automatically disqualified because you are pregnant.

One thing I would keep in mind though- what are the maternity benefits like at your current job compared to a new one? If there isn't much difference then don't worry about it, but if you are currently able to take 12 weeks of paid maternity leave versus 6 weeks of unpaid time, that's a pretty significant reason and you might want to wait until after your maternity leave is over before looking.

However, you said you are per diem, so this is probably a non-issue for you. Go ahead and start looking! I know a few people who have been hired while pregnant. When I was hired for my current job, I couldn't start until nearly three months after I was hired. That's just to point out that some places are willing to hold a position if they like you and think you will be a good fit.

brandy1017, ASN, RN · Aug 3, 2011

Well, I think that is reassuring to know that you can get a job when your pregnant!

Chechy · Aug 3, 2011

I have a similar question. I interview yesterday for a new grad position at a children's hospital. I am 9 months pregnant with my second child and due in about 2 weeks. The training for this position doesn't start until September 15 and it will only be classroom training with no work on the floor for the first 4 weeks. I feel my interview went well but I am wondering if being only 3-4 weeks postpartum when training starts will be an issue.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2011

I have a similar question. I interview yesterday for a new grad position at a children's hospital. I am 9 months pregnant with my second child and due in about 2 weeks. The training for this position doesn't start until September 15 and it will only be classroom training with no work on the floor for the first 4 weeks. I feel my interview went well but I am wondering if being only 3-4 weeks postpartum when training starts will be an issue.

I think it will be an issue if it's a problem for you. I'm assuming that the orientation days aren't very flexible and it's likely that you have to attend these classes in order to start working. However, if the days are flexible you might be able to request that they be pushed back a couple of weeks. If you are willing to go into the classes when your baby is 3-4 weeks old then maybe you can get permission to bring the baby with you during the classroom days. If you aren't willing to come in so soon after delivering, you best option is probably to explain this to HR as soon as you are offered the job and see what arrangements can be made.