New School Nurse, Pregnant, and Feeling a Little Overwhelmed!

[nursinggirliesa]

Hey everyone,

I'm a new member here and just wanted to reach out to this awesome nursing community because my life has taken a few BIG turns lately, and honestly, I need to vent and maybe hear from others who've been in similar shoes.

So here's the quick version (well... kind of):

I recently left my ER job as a new grad. I knew the environment wasn't suitable for me, and always wanted to work with kids (and the ER solidified that for me!) Anyways, I was super lucky to land a school nurse position starting this September, and I'm genuinely excited for this new chapter. 

Here's where it gets a little complicated...
Right after I accepted the job (literally, right after the interview!), I found out I'm pregnant. Total surprise—happy, but definitely surprised. 😅

Also, before all of this happened, I had already told my old ER job that I'd be taking a few days off for my honeymoon. So now, with this new school job, I'm trying to figure out how and when to bring up that I'll need those 3 days off early in the year AND that I'm expecting.

Now I'm sitting here wondering... am I crazy? (probably LOL) I know it's a lot all at once. I truly don't want to start this job off on the wrong foot or seem like I'm not committed, because I am. I've wanted to work in a school setting for a long time and I feel so lucky to have this opportunity.

Have any of you gone through something similar? How did you navigate it? I want to be honest, respectful, and still advocate for myself and my family.

Thanks for reading—I really appreciate any thoughts or advice 💬💕

[dianah, ASN]

Moved to School Nursing area.

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

Without knowing how desperate the school you work for is, I honestly think if I were you, I'd just take day-of sick time, not tell anyone at work, and keep the honeymoon off of social media... I am sure you could get your PCP or OB to cover your butt with a doctor's note if you ask nicely 😅 Is it dishonest? Yes, but this may be one of those situations where your admin tells you no and then it's just obvious why you're taking sick time on those same days which will look worse... and in the future, make sure all vacation plans work within your normally granted time off (holiday, Spring break, summers).  

School districts can be brutal when it comes to personal time... We never really had ours outlined in our contracts, just that we had 15 sick days and 2 personal days. They've started cracking down on personal day use of late, however - it is scrutinized extra if it borders a weekend, and even more so if it borders a long weekend or vacation week! 

Good luck!