6 1/2 months pregnant and starting a new job, please I need advice!

[khone904, BSN, RN]

After graduating in Decemeber I found out I was pregnant with my second child. I had my first baby during nursing school, luckily I have my husband and mother-in-law who was very supportive and made it possible for me to finish school without any delays. I took my boards early March and been applying for jobs non-stop. I am currently working in a hospital now for 6 years, but nothing came up and I had no luck, they hired so many new nurses a couple months before I have my license so now they're not hiring for a while.

Anyways, I went to an interview at Children's hospital, my dream job I must add, I didn't try to hide my obvious growing belly, I am 26 weeks pregnant. The interview went really well and to be honest I don't think they even noticed that I am pregnant, either way I know it's illegal for them to ask and I didn't disclose the information to them. Although the interview went well I didn't think I'll get hired due to so many other applicants who applied and who wasn't pregnant. I got the call a few days later by the charge nurse who interviewed me, she offered me the job and I was so excited and thrilled I accepted. After the phone call my happiness turned into anxiety, I knew she didn't know I was pregnant, now is an ethical issue. I don't want to start a new job if I feel in anyway that I had misled them or lied to them, especially being a new nurse at a new facility, who wants to start off on the wrong foot? I want to build a trusting working relationship and environment, I haven't been able to have a good night sleep since and my BP is sky high, I feel anxious all day and night, I don't know what to do. I have a physical this coming week so HR will find out, but should I be the bigger person and call the person who offered the job and tell them, "hey, just wanted to make sure we're on the same page, I hope you know that I am pregnant, I am very dedicated and excited about this position, it's my dream job, I'm planning to work till the day I deliver and come back within the week or two" Oh did I mentioned that after I gave birth to my first baby I got cleared by my OB to return to work and school after one week? So yes this is very possible given that nothing bad happens and no c-section. I know under the FMLA law I am not eligible but I'm not worried about that, I'm just worried that I'll be training still and they can let me go since I'll be on a probation period. I won't start my orientation until june and by then I'll be 32 weeks pregnant.

So do I tell them right away or should I wait, I want to believe that I got hired because they like me and saw my potential, not because they didn't know I was pregnant. Oh by the way I haven't sign any paperwork yet, I'm suppose to sign it after my physical and drug test next week. So yes technically I don't have the job but I don't want to sign and say oh yeah I'm pregnant, that would **** anyone off. Any comments and suggestions would be much appreciated, I feel like I'm going to faint everytime I think about it. I always wanted this job, working with peds, and I hate to mess it up.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

You've heard before that honesty is the best policy, so I would go ahead and disclose your pregnancy. Be sure to inform the unit manager that you do not intend to create any extensive staffing holes, and if all goes well, you plan to return to the floor within a week or two after giving birth.

Good luck to you and congratulations on the baby!

[khone904, BSN, RN]

I called to have a chat with her but she's off and will return tonight, they said they will tell her to give me a call later on tonight. I'm scared but I'm ready to tell her. I'm anxious about the upcoming conversation but I gotta get this off my chest. Wish me luck, if it turn out bad at least I'll feel better that I was honest and I can sleep at night. Thank you for your advice, I do believe in honestly:)

[kelsey1992]

If it was some crap job that you didn't care about it... I would say leave it be and let them find out later! lol but since it is your dream job... do the moral thing and give them a heads up. No one likes to start a job with a negative feeling... If they really want to fire you the will find another reason haha!

[khone904, BSN, RN]

I talked to them and everything is good. I'm doing my 3 weeks orientation right now and will start on the floor end of the month, I am currently 32 weeks pregnant. Luckily the first day I stared I qualified for pregnancy coverage through my work even though I won't qualify FMLA. I'm so glad that I told them and now doing what I always wanted to do, Honesty is the best way to go:)