New Job and pregnant!! Help

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi everybody, I am new to this website and I need some advice. I just started my new GN job in the ICU this past Monday. On Tuesday, I found out that I am 4 weeks pregnant. I am debating on when to tell my manager and colleagues that I am pregnant. My orientation is 12 weeks long and my husband thinks I should wait until it is over before I spill the beans. I however, feel that this is a little deceitful saying "Surprise, I am 16 weeks pregnant." Has anyone else ever been in this position? What do you all think I should do? I am worried that there might be ill feelings towards me since I just started on this floor and will have to go on maternity leave in 8 months already. Please let me know what you all think. Thanks

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Specializes in L&D/Maternity nursing.

I'd wait til after orientation.

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

If you are on probation, I would wait. Be careful, ICU is not a good place for a newly pregnant person.

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I would let them know right away. they will probably be understanding since you found out after you took the job. I'm sure it will be fine. besides they need to know because there are certain meds that a pregnant women shouldn't handle you know? then you can take the extra precautions. It will be fine. good luck!

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Specializes in Neurology.

I don't think you are under any obligation until at least the first trimester is over. If you are really sick and it is affecting your performance than yes, you need to tell them! I started my first job (not a nursing job) in the same situation and I told everyone after my first trimester and everyone was very happy for me. I think everyone had gotten to know me in the few weeks I had been there and had been happy with my performance on the job so they focused on the news- A baby is a good thing and most people will be happy for you!

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Specializes in l.p.n.

I think being pregnant is a personal thing . It is up to you to share it with who ever you want ther is no low say that you have to tell. Let them know this is your life and the only one who should know is your husband. If god say this is the job for you belive me no supervisor in this world will take it from you. good luck.

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Specializes in Med/Oncology, Emergency, Surgery.

I think you should wait. It's still very early.

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Specializes in Neurovascular/Stroke Nurse.

That's a tough situation, determining when to tell. I'm with the concensus that thinks you should wait to tell the group. One exception though is the what-if of being assigned to a pt with shingles or meningitis or some other disease that is contraindicated for a pregnant nurse. Of course you can just ask another nurse to take the pt or you can let your manager know right away and be protected from that scenario.

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

*ahem* I'm a guy. I don't have the right body parts. Just thought I should clarrify that up front. :)

That being said:

Why would you wait? I'm just curious - what are your reasons? Privacy? Or...?

One of my fellow nurses just delivered a baby 4 days ago. One of my techs is about to go into labor anytime soon.

I do this for all my co-workers but just that tad bit more for the pregnant ones. It's just me but I tend to keep an eye out for them (and if this sounds sexist, so be it). Make sure they aren't around any 'potentially infectious' patients. Help 'em when they're doing patient transport or boosting patients. Take assignment for the violent patients.

I mean, why take a chance right? Make sure they eat during shift, drink more water and cover for 'em when they need to go pee (heaven knows I'd be peeing q 10 minutes if I had a 5 lb weight sitting/kicking on my bladder!)

Me? I would tell 'em right away - at the very least my charge nurse/manager (unless you have reservations regarding privacy etc.) So what if you became pregnant right after you joined a new job? Birth control isn't 100% effective all the time... besides, being pregnant isn't a "crime"!!!

That's just the way I think :twocents:

Congrats on the babe to be! :yeah:

cheers,

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Your (and your baby's) safety and health need to come first. You need to be aware of what drugs you should not handle and what patient assignments you should not take. I found myself in the same situation 7 years ago. I chose to share with my nurse manager. She was even very understanding when I started bleeding on my shift during week 2 of orientation. I left to go to the OB and she covered me (God bless her). Also I think it's very hard to hide a pregnancy from a bunch of nurses. I tend to believe the best about people and trust that they'll believe the best about me. It usually works in my favor.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

If you decide to tell, you really only need to tell your supervisor. You can ask that she/he keep it to herself until you are ready to share it with your co-workers. At least if you share with the boss you can be covered in case you need to refuse a certain patient assignment. If you need lift help, just ask for it. Your should not have to justify to your co-workers a reason for needing lift help.

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