New Job and Pregnancy

[nahjah]

I am graduating from nursing school Sunday and have been offered a job at the local hospital. I accepted and thought all was well until they emailed me today with the date for my pre-employment screening. The job offer is conditional based on passing this screening. During this screening, since lifting is part of the job, you have to use your legs and lift a 50 lb block from the floor until you legs are straight, 10 times. A few weeks ago my husband and I found out that we are pregnant!! :) :) :) I am 10 weeks along. I know that lifting is not encouraged during pregnancy. Am I early enough to complete this or should I tell them I can't do it? I am worried this will prevent me from getting this job. I just emailed the lady that offered the job and told her about the pregnancy- I wasn't planning on doing it right away but it would come out at the screening so I figured it would be best for her to hear it from me first. Just curious if anyone knows if this is safe or not at this stage, and can they not follow through with hiring me because I am pregnant? During the interview I told her we were trying and she said that it was great.

Nicole

[BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN]

Congrats on finishing school!

I have a question...what happens if someone hurts themselves lifting that weight? That seems odd to me! Do other places do this? I work out and it isn't easy lifting like that, esp. 50 pounds. Are you going to be lifting people off the floor on a regular basis?

I have to say honesty is the best policy and if they won't hire you based on your being unable to lift I'd have to say bye. Of course, that could be called discrimination also.