New CSN--seeking advice

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Women's Health,School Nursing.

Hello! new to this site and the CSN world.

I just completed my coursework for my CSN and submitted the necessary information to the state for my certification. 2 weeks ago a position was was posted in our local paper for an elementary school nurse position, I applied, interviewed, and the way the interview went the superintendent almost made it clear I was the only applicant. They are taking it to the school board tomorrow, so as he put it, they may be calling me later this week to let me know.

In the mean time ...SURPRISE...I find out I'm expecting, due in January.

I do not want to let this opportunity go but I am so scared about the possibility of being offered this position and angering them because in January I will need 6 weeks off. Substitute school nurses are not easy to come by.

Has anyone had a situation like this? How did it turn out? When do you let them know about this sort of thing? Like I said being in the education system is a whole new ballgame for me!

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This is exactly what happened to me my first year of school nursing (my baby was born in February). I let them know in late October and they were very understanding. We had a sub nurse who was willing to work the entire 6 weeks though, which made it nice. I know they are not allowed to be 'mad' but I was obviously nervous about this. They were very supportive though. I hope that your future employer will be as supportive - perhaps you could even tell them now?

Sorry I am not more helpful, I just wanted to make sure you know you have support out here. :)

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Women's Health,School Nursing.

You have made me feel so much better seriously! Bummed I can't do 12 weeks like I would have been able to staying in my current position but keep reminding myself I will have almost 3 months off in the summer with him/her!

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Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.
I hope that your future employer will be as supportive - perhaps you could even tell them now?

Don't do this. It's a pretty good way to be passed over for the job. They can't not hire you because of the baby...but they'll think of something else. The year is almost over. I would maybe wait until fall when you go back.

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.
Don't do this. It's a pretty good way to be passed over for the job. They can't not hire you because of the baby...but they'll think of something else. The year is almost over. I would maybe wait until fall when you go back.

Another reason, and I am sorry to point this out, there is still a lot of pregnancy left. Most people don't tell anyone for the first trimester for a reason. Let it go until you show.

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I agree with you both, I was just putting it out there as an option.

You raise a good point about the summer break though - my spring break was also included in the time I took off, which meant I took less time off. That made me feel a little better.

Is this baby #1?

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I was also in this situation when I interviewed and got hired for my position 3 years ago but I knew I was pregnant when I applied and interviewed. I had miscarried twice prior so I wasn't going to let the pregnancy determine whether or not I took the job since they are hard to come by where I live (VERY rural area).

I would not recommend telling them because although they can't use the pregnancy against you, they will most likely find another reason to offer the job to someone else.

I was due at the first part of April and told them about the pregnancy in October.

Good luck!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Don't worry about it. You gotta remember this is public school where mostly women are employed...and having babies all the time. The school district is used to it.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Women's Health,School Nursing.

Dont worry I wasn't planning on telling them until I was showing, I had a m/c last fall and I am 7 weeks now so a lot can go on over the next few weeks...

They called me yesterday afternoon and offered me the position, I accepted!

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Women's Health,School Nursing.

Baby #3!

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Specializes in School Nurse.
Dont worry I wasn't planning on telling them until I was showing, I had a m/c last fall and I am 7 weeks now so a lot can go on over the next few weeks...

They called me yesterday afternoon and offered me the position, I accepted!

Congratulations on both baby and job!!!

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Women's Health,School Nursing.
I was also in this situation when I interviewed and got hired for my position 3 years ago but I knew I was pregnant when I applied and interviewed. I had miscarried twice prior so I wasn't going to let the pregnancy determine whether or not I took the job since they are hard to come by where I live (VERY rural area).

I would not recommend telling them because although they can't use the pregnancy against you, they will most likely find another reason to offer the job to someone else.

I was due at the first part of April and told them about the pregnancy in October.

Good luck!!

thank you for your experience! It has relieved a lot of my anxiety! I live in a very rural area as well and honestly did not expect to get a CSN position for at least 2-3 years so that's why my husband and I decided to get baby#3 in now lol we never thought this would all unfold like this!! They did offer me the position and I accepted! I do not plan on telling them until mid sept that will give them 3 1/2 months to find a temp to fill in

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