New grad 30 weeks pregnant and starting on L&D department

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Soooo....I was interviewed and offered a job on the L&D floor. I was extrememly happy because this is the floor i've always wanted to work on. I start orientation Jan 17th. I'm not sure if the DON noticed I was pregnant at the interview due to my coat, purse, and notebook. I have been looking for a job since i graduated at the end of July and this was the first hospital in my area that were accepting new grads. Can they take the job back when they find out im pregnant when I go on to shadow Jan 3rd??? I also have a physical Jan 4th. What does this entail?

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Well that's a tuff question. I suppose they can get rid of you. When you interviewed you did it in somewhat a false pretense. They thought they were getting a nurse. You on the other hand did not disclose that you were indeed pregnant. And you say the DON didn't notice? And you didn't tell and your 30 weeks correct? When do you plan to tell them when your going in to labor? This ask don't tell stuff is for the birds. They might keep you in my eyes a Nurse is a Nurse pregnant or not. But you might want to get ready for the shoe to drop. Like i said it's a tuff one keep us up to date. These are my thoughts use them as you wish

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It's recommended by the Department of Labor that you do not disclose pregnancy during an interview. It is illegal not to hire you based on pregnancy. If you tell them it adds the issue, where if they are not aware of it there can be no accusation of discrimination. If they were aware you were pregnant and hired you anyway, there is no issue.

It stands to reason that your employer would prefer not to have someone go on maternity leave halfway through their orientation. But nursing is a female domimated field and women have babies. There is no guarantee of another employee not getting pregnant, having an accident, becoming ill, etc and requiring extended leave.

Check out your state's department of labor website for more information but you were correct in not telling.

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I say keep going and show your work ethics and what you can do, but do let them know. At 30 weeks some women aren't grossly showing. Could be she knew you were pregnant but didn't consider how far along you were. Talk to the nurse manager after your shadow and explain you will working up until you go on leave and plan to come back as soon as poosible. Whatever you do, please be the one to tell her, rather she hear it from someone else.

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It might be illegal for them to ask during an interview. But in a job where you must be physically able to do the work, you may fail the physical temporarily.

At the very least they'll not be happy to hear their brand-new employee is already planning a 6 week leave. When were you planning to tell them?

Some states allow employers to terminate workers without cause, so not to scare you but your job may not be so secure. You might want to scrimp and save every paycheck until after you return from maternity leave, just in case things don't work out.

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It IS illegal for them to ask during an interview and is IS illegal for them to terminate you for pregnancy. If you do lose your job and are not given reason, or even if they are stupid enough to tell you that you were fired for being pregnant, seek counsel immediately.

This is one of the many reasons we need the ERA to pass someday so there is no question in an employer's mind.

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Well that's a tuff question. I suppose they can get rid of you. When you interviewed you did it in somewhat a false pretense. They thought they were getting a nurse. You on the other hand did not disclose that you were indeed pregnant. And you say the DON didn't notice? And you didn't tell and your 30 weeks correct? When do you plan to tell them when your going in to labor? This ask don't tell stuff is for the birds. They might keep you in my eyes a Nurse is a Nurse pregnant or not. But you might want to get ready for the shoe to drop. Like i said it's a tuff one keep us up to date. These are my thoughts use them as you wish

This is an absolutely ridiculous and ignorant comment. She does not have to disclose her pregnancy on an interview. And if they thought like you imply, and didn't keep her because they didn't feel like having a pregnant nurse, she'd definitely have reason for a lawsuit. AFTER she is offered the position, she can discuss her maternity leave because that would be a more appropriate time.

We are humans, we're not robots or computers or even men. We need to be understanding that women are a very important part of the workforce, and because of that, its important to be supportive of them as mothers.

This is a LABOR and DELIVERY floor - its possible that the person interviewing actually recognized her skills and was supportive of the fact that she is a mother as well.

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Specializes in ER/ float.
This is an absolutely ridiculous and ignorant comment. She does not have to disclose her pregnancy on an interview. And if they thought like you imply, and didn't keep her because they didn't feel like having a pregnant nurse, she'd definitely have reason for a lawsuit. AFTER she is offered the position, she can discuss her maternity leave because that would be a more appropriate time.

We are humans, we're not robots or computers or even men. We need to be understanding that women are a very important part of the workforce, and because of that, its important to be supportive of them as mothers.

This is a LABOR and DELIVERY floor - its possible that the person interviewing actually recognized her skills and was supportive of the fact that she is a mother as well.

sorry but this is the ignorant response. This is a pre-existing health condition that will interfere with her job and ability to perform it. Your screw the employer BS attitude is why nurses are not taken seriously at all in this day and age. Another poster brought up the lawsuit ticket? come on people, Not saying anything during or even before the interview about your pregnancy constitutes being un truthfull and deceptive. end of story. :uhoh3:

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

In what way, exactly, will her pregnancy affect her ability to perform her job? Being pregnant isn't a disability. I've witnessed nurses do their job right up until about a week before their due date, when they went on maternity leave.

Additionally, I don't think you can "fail" your physical unless you're not able to perform the duties listed in your job description.

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sorry but this is the ignorant response. This is a pre-existing health condition that will interfere with her job and ability to perform it. Your screw the employer BS attitude is why nurses are not taken seriously at all in this day and age. Another poster brought up the lawsuit ticket? come on people, Not saying anything during or even before the interview about your pregnancy constitutes being un truthfull and deceptive. end of story. :uhoh3:

Federal and State laws make sure that Americans are able to have children without losing their jobs. Discrimination against you because you are pregnant violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Under this law, employers who have at least 15 workers are not allowed to:

o Refuse to hire a woman because of pregnancy

o Fire or force a worker to leave because she is pregnant

o Take away credit for previous years, accrued retirement benefits,

or seniority because of maternity leave

o Fire or refuse to hire a woman because she has an abortion

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I hope the above clarifies her Federal Rights. And if anybody does happen to get discriminated against because they are pregnant in either Illinois or Indiana, my husband is an attorney and would love to take those cases!

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Specializes in ER/ float.
In what way, exactly, will her pregnancy affect her ability to perform her job? Being pregnant isn't a disability. I've witnessed nurses do their job right up until about a week before their due date, when they went on maternity leave.

Additionally, I don't think you can "fail" your physical unless you're not able to perform the duties listed in your job description.

so have I, only difference is they were not hired in 30 wks pregnant. And good luck with the "they can't do that crap" too many nurses vs not enough jobs= they can make the rules as they go:lol2:

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