Need Pregnancy/Job Advice...

[Gingerbell, BSN, RN]

I need some advice. I am a new LVN grad and just started orientation for my first job as a nurse. The problem, I am also 3 1/2 months pregnant and my employer does not know. It was on the advice of a friend that I not mention my pregnancy in the initial interview, but now I find myself stuck. How and when do I tell them? I know the dates I will be out and only plan on taking 6 weeks. Does anyone have any ideas, suggestions, experiences, advice for me???

~GB

[sassiebaz]

Im guessing you are in California? I suggest not even saying anything until someone asks. I mean, you don't have to disclose that type of thing and I believe california is the kind of state that will not try to fire you because of a pregnancy. There are tougher labor laws out there. Here in AZ it's a "right to work state" and they can pretty much fire you for anything they want to...no two week pay or anything. I am being a little extreme on how Im putting things but you get the picture Im sure. Anyhow, your pregnancy shouldn't pose an issue and as far as planning on taking six weeks...is this your first baby? I know alot of women that say they are going back to work and then just cannot bare to leave their baby....I was one of 'em! But, I don't know you or what you will do...just know things may change when that little bundle comes out!!!:lol2:

[spydercadet]

Right to work state or not, you can't fire, ask or not hire because of pregnancy. Check out the labor laws just to be sure, but they still fire you, they just do it over something else. My husband works with chemicals, he is an engineer, and there are a lot of the chemicals that can be very harmful to a pregnant women and her fetus. So, you'd think a company should be able to tell a pregnant women not to work with certain chemicals, but they can't. That has been ruled sexism, but if the pregnant women works with the chemicals, after being warned, and something is wrong with the baby - she can sue. How amazing is that. This occurred at a very large company in a right to work state, which really most states are, and the company has no real recourse.

Go Figure. You don't have to tell your job for a long time, but I'd talk with your OB/Gyne just to make sure what she/he wants you to do or not do at work. And as a GREAT BIG FYI - IF YOU DON'T WANT YOUR JOB TO KNOW DON'T TELL ANYONE THERE!!! Those places seem to somehow suck your thoughts right out of your head and pipe them throughout the facility along with a minimum of a 10 mile radius around the facility. : )

Good Luck with the Baby, Too!!!