New grad and newly pregnant, advice?

Nunya, BSN · Dec 31, 2020

You're only 6 weeks, wait. I know a lot of people know early on they're pregnant but no one will think anything of it if you just let them assume you didn't realize.

Sour Lemon · Dec 31, 2020

6 hours ago, Bekah K said:

Hello! I graduated December 19th, I had a job interview prior to thanksgiving - was offered the job - and then waited five weeks to hear back from the unit and move forward with the process. Once I receive my ATT for the NCLEX I can begin orientation, I will be working three night shifts/wk on a behavioral health unit. Between my initial offer and now moving forward, I found out I was pregnant. I am currently 6 weeks! This will be my second child and I plan to work hard up until I need to take leave, I have looked into my hospitals policies and I would qualify for Short Term Disability (which they say includes maternity.) Am I making a bad move by taking this job, knowing I will take leave in August? When should I let my employer know, I was wanting to wait a few more weeks and get in there to show them I am hard working and dedicated, but don't want to come off as deceitful! I am stressed and just looking for some experience and guidance. Thank you in advance.

Six weeks is early. Get your foot in the door and get your maternity leave. I got pregnant right after starting my current job, and went on leave pretty quickly. Then I came back, and I've been there about four years. It happens all the time.

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 31, 2020

As a former OB nurse, I recommend you wait to reveal you're pregnant until past at least 12 weeks (2nd trimester).

Congratulations! ?

Bekah K · Dec 31, 2020

Thank you all! I really appreciate your input, I feel better.

Camden_jj · Jan 31, 2021

Did you write this post for me? I am literally in the same exact boat as you. Graduated 12/18, had my job offer on ICU (for a company I worked for previously) before thanksgiving, passed NCLEX this week, and second pregnancy at six weeks. I start in a week and am also feeling badly about needing to take leave in September. My last pregnancy I worked all the way to my due date (September 24 this time) and took three months off with short term disability. I intend to get in there and prove my worth as well. Good to hear words of encouragement from the commenters. My husband has a great deal of flexibility with his work and we are even discussing me going back just a month after delivery. Thinking with just three days a week, between the two of us we can make it work. Anyone have any opinions on that line of thinking?

Sour Lemon · Jan 31, 2021

4 hours ago, Camden_jj said:

Did you write this post for me? I am literally in the same exact boat as you. Graduated 12/18, had my job offer on ICU (for a company I worked for previously) before thanksgiving, passed NCLEX this week, and second pregnancy at six weeks. I start in a week and am also feeling badly about needing to take leave in September. My last pregnancy I worked all the way to my due date (September 24 this time) and took three months off with short term disability. I intend to get in there and prove my worth as well. Good to hear words of encouragement from the commenters. My husband has a great deal of flexibility with his work and we are even discussing me going back just a month after delivery. Thinking with just three days a week, between the two of us we can make it work. Anyone have any opinions on that line of thinking?

How much time to take off is highly personal. I took off about four months, if I remember correctly. And when I went back, I cut back from two days a week to one day a week. I might go back to work full time when my kids are a bit older. Right now, I just want to keep a foot in the door and keep my experience current.