New Grad nurse/early pregnancy advice

ckh23, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2012

I say be up front and honest about it. They are going to find out about the pregnancy eventually and it won't be too hard for them to figure out you were pregnant prior. Yes they may not hire you because of your pregnancy, but this is something employers deal with all the time. If they think you are good candidate and a good fit for the unit then I can't imagine them holding that against you.

Before others start throwing FLMA around, another reason to be upfront about it is that you will not be eligible for FLMA when the time comes for you to go out of work.

FutureRN_NP · Feb 6, 2012

I've seen some other posts on this, but my situation is a little different from all of them, so I'm looking for some advice from well-versed nurses.
I am a new grad that has just passed boards (hooray!) and am looking for jobs. I have a tenative job offer from a floor that I did some work on during my practicum before I graduated. The issue is, I recently found out I was pregnant (not planned, a total surprise), and I'm around 9-10 weeks. I am not over the 1st trimester hump and the "safest" time, but I am concerned about whether or not to disclose the information to my potential employer. I have spoken with her on several occasions and she is friends with my dad, who also works at the hospital.
My dad is convinced I need to use the phrase "honesty is the best policy" while interviewing with her, but it is a GREAT job (DAYS!) and I really don't want to jeopardize a possible position. I have read in several places not to tell before being hired because that may place the hiring manager in an awkward position...and possibly even more so in mine because she knows my family. However, if I was interviewing on a floor with a manager I didn't know, I would NOT disclose the information and would probably tell them of the discovery a few weeks-month later.
I could a)tell her when I go in to talk with her and tell her that I am very interested in continuing to work after a short leave, b) wait a few weeks after being hired to tell her? I have no idea what to do. Any advice would be welcome!

My advice? Don't tell if she doesn't ask. Any women have a potential getting pregnant. Not a ground breaking new at all in my opinion. Wait a month or so after hired and then let her know that you just found out you are pregnant. You are only 9-10 weeks not second trimester. Most woman were not sure if they were pregnant around this time. Get your feet in the door first. Good luck!

NoviceRN10 · Feb 6, 2012

I wouldn't mention it.

treeye · Feb 6, 2012

one of my coworker interviewed and got hired when she was five months pregnant. She didn't say anything about the pregnancy. Then she had the baby two weeks after orientation.

Annaiya, NP · Feb 6, 2012

Are you planning on quitting after you have the baby? If so, then I wouldn't take the job, but if not, why tell her? You won't qualify for FMLA yet, because you won't have the required hours in, so it isn't like you'll be able to have 3 months off or anything. You'll probably only be able to take as much PTO as you've accrued, unless they offer more generous benefits. It won't really inconvenience them all at, so I don't see it as a big deal to them. You're the one who is going to be exhausted with a new baby and learning a new job. So do whatever is best for you, not them! :)

emcadams · Feb 6, 2012

I would say not to mention it unless the question of "are you pregnant", or "do you know of any reasons you may not be able to perform this job for an extended time, etc", came up. Why? Because being pregnant is personal, and they are interviewing you for a JOB. You will be at this job for several months before the pregnancy issue comes up. It is wrong for employers to discriminate based on family status, but many do it anyway. If it were me, and I was out right asked, I would not lie, but I do not see this as an issue to bring up to the employer. You may have to go without pay when the time comes, as it depends on when you qualify for health benefits. You may even lose your job...although I doubt that would be likely as women having children is...fairly common occurance...and employers should tolerate that. They employer is trying to figure out if you will be the right fit for the job...if they choose you, you would still be the best person even if you are out for several months with your new baby. But when you get back to the job, you will be the same fantastic person they meant to choose.

ExpatHopeful, LPN, LVN · Feb 6, 2012

One of my co-workers interviewed for the job while pregnant, told the manager about it, and the manager arranged for her to start after she delivered, months later. Pretty awesome I thought. Apparently not all managers are averse to hiring pregnant women.

NayRN · Feb 6, 2012

Pregnancy discrimination is a protected class under the ADA. They can't use it as a reason not to hire you, it would be the same as discrimination based on any other disability. You will not, however qualify for FMLA because you have to work for I believe a year, full time, to be eligible. Childbirth will however be protected again, as any other temporary disability.

maria25 · Feb 8, 2012

Congrats on your pregnancy! I am in a similar situation as I just accepted a position as a new grad - and found I was pregnant that evening. I'm only 4 weeks along (will be 6W when I start), so it's still quite early, but I'm uncertain how to handle telling my manager.

Also, I am required to undergo a physical capability assessment and I just read the guidelines for the assessment. One of them indicates an injury, severe illness or pregnancy may require the assessment to be postponed. I'm going to call my doctor to ask him opinion on completing the assessment at this time, but I'm almost thinking the reason they may postpone d/t pregnancy is for women further along, the belly may inhibit their movement and interfere with their completion of the assessment.

Good luck with your offer and deciding when to tell!

sillywilly · Feb 8, 2012

I would not say anything yet. I would give it another month or so and then tell her.