New job - how to tell them I'm pregnant?

Nurses New Nurse

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I just accepted a new position within my company, a transfer.

I interviewed when i was 14 weeks, so i was just entering my 2nd trimester and really was JUST telling people. I also was told by several people not to mention it at the interview.

I got the job, and now i am 16 weeks. My manager wants me to stay for a few extra weeks to help train my replacement....and i wont be starting at the new position until i am 21 WEEKS!!! eeeks! I'm gonna walk in on my first day with this big belly that i didnt have in the interview.

Should i call my new manager and tell her over the phone, or should i just wait until the first day? I know that legally i am not required to tell them...but i want to.

Any advice on the best way to handle this? eeeks! I feel so guilty!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Pregnant? Me? Why would you ask that? :dncgbby:

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Specializes in ER, Pediatric Transplant, PICU.

I see this question every now and then, and everytime I think about how uncomfortable it must be.

Im not sure there's a really awesome way to tell them, other than say... I have a surprise!

I'm half kidding. There's no great way. Just be honest and say you.wanted to get through the first trimester, and now that u are, u wanted to tell them.

Any chance your manager now has mentioned it to them? Since its a transfer?

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I see this question every now and then, and everytime I think about how uncomfortable it must be.

Im not sure there's a really awesome way to tell them, other than say... I have a surprise!

I'm half kidding. There's no great way. Just be honest and say you.wanted to get through the first trimester, and now that u are, u wanted to tell them.

Any chance your manager now has mentioned it to them? Since its a transfer?

No she hasnt, i asked. She told me that i legally didnt have to tell them. grrr. No one wants a lawsuit! haha. I just dont want to **** anyone off and address it the best way possible.

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Specializes in Mental Health, Medical Research, Periop.

Do you have to go through occupational health prior? They may ask you and therefore it will be on record. I'm sorry I couldn't give a direct answer. I started a job when pregnant. I told occupational health during my questionairre (sp?), she gave me a funny look. I was still able to perform my job duties, and I returned 8 weeks after giving birth. I wish you much luck!

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

Are you expecting be accommodated in some way for the new spot?

Otherwise, I do not see an issue as long as you can do your job. If you cannot perform the functions of the new job (or any job) then that is an issue of needing to take leave or go out on short term disability. I understand wanting a maternity leave and "saving time" for that - but, this question comes up a bunch and other than a courtesy announcement I do not see any issue unless (this is in no way directed at you!) the employee is expecting (no pun intended) NOT to have have to do her fair share of work.

Congratulations and may you be blessed with a healthy baby!

:bby:

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

We interviewed this slender nurse in a business suit, decided to hire her, but didn't see her again for awhile.

She popped up the floor while doing her hospital orientation sporting a 16" softball under her shirt. Surprise!

Oh well, such is life. Inconvenient, but not a problem. She worked till going on leave, and returned to work long ago.

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Specializes in LTC, Pediatrics, Renal Med/Surg.
We interviewed this slender nurse in a business suit, decided to hire her, but didn't see her again for awhile.

She popped up the floor while doing her hospital orientation sporting a 16" softball under her shirt. Surprise!

Oh well, such is life. Inconvenient, but not a problem. She worked till going on leave, and returned to work long ago.

What was inconvenient about it if you don't mind my asking? Was she unable to perform some of her expected tasks?

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Specializes in Endoscopy/MICU/SICU.

I just had to go through this same situation, except it was a new facility for me. I interviewed at 12 weeks, not showing, started on the unit at 16 weeks. I ended up telling my boss at 20 weeks because I was really starting to show at that point (I work nights, rarely saw my manager, and my coworkers were starting to notice). Just as A&Oxnone said, it's going to be awkward, no getting around it. I would think about making an appointment with your new manager pretty soon, maybe before you start, and let her know. Then there won't be any "surprises" when you show up for your first day.

It will be a pain in the butt to schedule around you during your leave, but if you show up on time and don't call in sick before you take the time off, then you'll be fine.

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

I would just go in to talk to her if you really want her to know. You won't be the first or last pregnant nurse someone hires. As far as an inconvenience goes, it shouldn't be. You are and should be expected to perform like the rest of your coworkers.

If the inconvinience is maternity leave, then they will have plenty of time to find a replacement or make adjustments until you return.

I wouldn't worry about a thing.

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Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.
Any advice on the best way to handle this? eeeks! I feel so guilty!

Throw yourself a baby shower at work?

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.
What was inconvenient about it if you don't mind my asking? Was she unable to perform some of her expected tasks?

Anytime you hire someone, especially a highly experienced nurse, thinking you now fully staffed; only to then learn she will soon be out for awhile...is inconvenient.

My point was that the surprise pregnancy wasn't an issue, there were no hard feelings, etc It was just something to deal with.

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