New grad,8 months pregnant; apply for jobs now or wait till after the baby?

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2012

do it now while your brain still works. once you have the baby and start nursing and losing sleep and worrying about every sniffle and poop you start losing it. i started grad school with a six-week-old and it felt as if my brains were going right out my nipples for about three months. then it got easy and i did better in school.

it comes back, really, but might as well make a good impression while you still have it.

nulife4good · Jan 13, 2012

Hi, I am 8 months pregnant due at the end of febuary. I just graduated from LPN school and passed NCLEX. This next year I am continuing onto level 2 at my school to become a RN in december. Now, My question is should I start looking for a nursing job now or wait until after the baby is here. I am torn on this because I do not think it would be fair to put an employer in a position where I would be taking maternity leave in about 6 wks, but on the other hand I don't want to wait and have all of the available jobs get taken up by my classmates. Any advice please?

Well, in this competitive job market, I would suggest start looking. I graduated in May of last year and landed my first job in late November when I was 12 weeks pregnant. I'm currently 31 weeks pregnant with no health issues and I'm planning on being on the floor until I crown. I just want my manager to see that I'm a good nurse that can hustle on the unit floor and just imagine what I'll be like when I'm not pregnant!

What's the worse that could happen if you interview while pregnant? You don't get the job. There may be a manager out there who will be willing to take a chance on you but you'll need to stay on top of your game. By the way, I took coursework when my 1st son was only 2 weeks old--I wouldn't reccommend it, but if you have a strong support system in place you can do it. Good luck!

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Jan 13, 2012

You can apply, but I know if you came into interview with me, I'd have to tell you that I couldn't hold the job for you. It would not make sense to start you out with the hospital classes for 2 weeks, and those only start at certain intervals, so it could be three weeks from the day I hire you, and then start you on orientation just to have you go out for 6 weeks and then come back. And if you have a section it is 8 weeks. Also, many HR departments have the final say on the hiring, so they may want to fill the position now. Usually if a unit has an opening, they need someone to fill it then and not on a few week basis. You can still call around, but be upfront and honest that you are 8 months pregnant, don't just show up and surprise them...that is getting off on the wrong foot! The manager may know of openings that will be available down the road too and keep you in mind. Good luck!