6 mos pregnant and offered new grad position

[avroman13]

I just recently graduated from a 2 year program to get my associates degree in nursing and even started applying for jobs for graduate nurses way back in March. At the time, I thought I would get hired at a hospital that would allow me to work on a permit before I had the opportunity to take my boards. However, today I was offered a position from a hospital that hires you only after you have successfully passed the NCLEX-RN exam. My start date would be 8/16/2010 and my baby is due 9/8/2010! The orientation required for this position takes 14 weeks...so I would definitely have to stop partway through orientation to take some time off for the birth of the baby, etc. This will be my second child, so I would like to work right up until I go into labor like I did with my first and then get back to work as soon as feasible (but probably not until 6 weeks) after the baby is born. I only interviewed for the job a few weeks ago, and I thought most people could tell then that I was pregnant, but they didn't ask, and I didn't offer the information to them at that time. I'm worried that they will renig the position once I accept and then tell them that I am expecting in September. Do you think they can do that? Has anyone been in a similar situation? What would you do if you were in my shoes? I really do want this job and I really want to get my foot in the door at this particular hospital - I recently was rejected from two other positions that I had applied for at this hospital, and am really thrilled to be offered this one.

[cb_rn]

I started a job 6 months pregnant and then went out on leave. I didn't discuss it in the interview but I feel that it was obvious. I have had my job for over 5 years. In the grand scheme of things, I don't think it really matters. Pregnancy is a medical leave and your employer has to give it to you -- usually your doc will write you a note for 6 to 8 weeks depending on your delivery. You won't qualify for FMLA because you haven't been there long enough, so working out a longer maternity leave will be up to your employer. Obviously you are going to have to let them know soon -- they will appreciate as much notice as they can get so they can cover your shifts when you are gone. I don't think that you have any kind of "moral" or "ethical" obligation to tell them diddly squat about your pregnancy as previous posters have stated (besides the nuts and bolts - when your leave is going to start and when you are coming back) -- I would see it as being unethical if you intended to work up to the baby's birth and then quit, but if you plan on continuing your employment, I don't see it as an issue. People in every job have babies all the time, go out on leave, and come back. People also need to go out on medical leave unpredictably, sometimes right after they start, which is a lot more of a problem then to fill the hole they left with no notice.

I also don't think it's reasonable for people to say to just delay your start date. There was no way I could have afforded to do that - don't know if you are in that situation or not. I had just moved, was separated from my husband, and needed the income and the medical insurance (unless I wanted to pay $1000/month for COBRA from my previous job -- with no income.)

The orientation thing will work itself out as well. When I did this, they had me not take extremely critical patients (I work in ICU) until I had another few shifts with a preceptor after I had returned from leave. It wasn't exactly a linear orientation, but with a few bumps in the road, I got through it.

I think if you want the job, take it. Just be straight up with your employer about what your leave needs are going to be and be aware that you might not get the 12 weeks you want after the baby is born.

If she can't afford to delay her start date and the employer is willing for her to start, then that is what she should do providing it its necessary for her situation. However, I still don't think its an ideal situation to be a new grad that has to have orientation interupted. Those first few weeks are pretty much going to be for nothing but working for a paycheck and maybe completing the required orientation where you listen to all those bloodborne pathogen and universal precaution lectures because on the floor she will probably be treated with kid gloves due to her advanced pregnancy and because its really hard to retain new things she has learned without practice for 6 weeks. Hopefully her position has a student has meant that she was already accustomed to not making a full time paycheck and already has insurance in place. I agree with you that it has nothing to do with ethics or being required to tell an employer you are pregnant, I got very upset (so upset that I had to excuse myself from the debate) on that thread a few weeks ago because you're right, women have babies all the time and it should not be an issue in hiring. My point was just that if she could not have to interrupt her orientation it would really be more beneficial for her.

[healthstar, BSN, RN]

If I was in you place I would let my employer know that I was pregnant, I would actually tell her during the interview. Honesty is very important, and she will respect you much more if you tell her before training. She might or might not keep you but at least you tried.

[futrldnrse]

I was in a similar situation but my job was supposed to start june 7th and I'm due sep18th. I planned on working right up until my due date, having the baby and then coming right back to work within days so I didn't tell them I was pregnant because I had every intention of it not affecting my job. A couple of weeks ago I went for their pre-employment physical and the NP did a little mini exam and asked me if my belly was normal for me and then I told her I was pregnant. She didn't have a problem or see it posing a problem but I had to get a release from my dr's office saying I could perform and the minimum job requirements (lifting min.50 lbs, bending, standing for 8 + hours everything a RN does etc). This is where the problem came. The drs office said I could work but limited me to 20 lbs lifting and no more than 8 hour workday, nurses usually work for 8+. I didn't have any complications but m dr's office said I really shouldn't be lifting that much especially patients etc. so the hospital had to rescind my offer for employment, not because I'm pregnant but due to my inability to work at necessary minimal requirements. I personally contacted the nurse manager of the floor I was going to work on and she was completely understanding and she told me to she was looking forward to me joining her team and make sure I keep her information so after I deliver to contact her so she can let me know what she has open. I'll have to go through the whole process again but it'll be worth it. My advice is to watch out for the pre-employment physical that most hospital's emloyee health will do themselves and they'll most likely want a release from your dr to clear you so you may want to ask about that and if your dr fully clears you with not 1 restriction on the minimal job reqmts then they shouldn't be able to rescind your job offer but most dr's won't clear 2nd and 3rd trimester moms to lift and constantly be on feet for hours and hours. If you were already employed there it would be different then they couldn't dismiss you based on pregnancy but being that job offers are usually contingent on background check, drug tests, ref checks, and pre-employments physicals if any of these don't check out then they have the right to rescind. Good Luck!!!

[avroman13]

Okay, I called them today and accepted the position. Then told them I was 6 months along. The response: "Legally, you do not have to tell me that, I am going to forget that you told me that...welcome aboard." Sounds good to me, I'll just work until I go into labor and then get back to work as soon as possible after the babe is born :).

[caliotter3]

You are so lucky. Congratulations on both your job and your baby to arrive!

[cb_rn]

OP I am so glad that worked out for you. :) It will be a little challenging to go out for 6 weeks and then have to pick back up but you can do it.

[Sarahpednurse]

Hi All,

I have a slightly similar situation that I would like the advice of others on. I'm a new graduate and I have just been hired for my dream job as a new graduate nurse. I am signing a 2 year contract and the first 10 months includes orientation through 2 different units. I am currently 14wks pregnant, So I won't be delivering until late march of 2011. I dont want to conceal the pregnancy for too long but I'm terrified by horror stories. I have been thinking to work at least 1 full month and go above and beyond the call of duty to prove my worthiness in my new position before informing them. But I would love the advice or encouragement from anyone who has had a similar situation. I need this job and want it more than anything so I just want to make sure I do everything to keep it. Also-- doesnt everyone think that being a nurse (is almost the best career in which people, more specifially nurse managers want to work with their "good employees") Thanks for your responses!