New RN NICU Hire And Want to Start a Family

[chikenlegsRN]

Hi all! I am a new hire RN in the NICU in a big city hospital. I came to the NICU with one year of previous hospital experience (not in NICU). I am about one month into orientation (already started on the unit) and my husband and I really want to start a family. My OBGYN suggested I let my job know that we plan on starting a family because it's the safest for me and the future baby. The NICU does have x-rays on the unit, CMV positive babies and Nitric oxide administration. Does anyone have any advice? How to go about bringning it up/telling management? Thanks in advance!

[NICUmiiki, DNP, NP]

I wouldn't tell my employer until I was actually pregnant. The charge nurses have a list of preggo nurses and a list of no pregnant nurse babies and make assignments accordingly. I really wouldn't want to tell them early in my pregnancy but it is nessecary to avoid those pregnancy-risky patients. I wouldn't worry about x-rays too much, since we usually step out of the room and they always ask if we're pregnant before we help.

[BeachsideRN, ASN]

I agree with PPs .... don't give away too much info. Once you get there, cross that bridge, but for now - start TTC and once you get that positive, then tell the people that need to know, when they need to know. Don't being giving away too much information, that sadly can come back to bite you in the ass, even though it shouldn't. Work closely with your OB and RE if the case may be. Good luck in the NI and sending babydust sprinkles your way :)