Newly graduated RN... and pregnant

afox · Jun 30, 2011

Have you found out how far along you are? And how long is orientation?

It really depends on the Mgr & facility how they'll react. But to reassure you, I have a friend who was hired while pregant. She didn't tell them at the interview, even though she was showing a little bit, and waited until after the job was offered, and started orientation to tell them. They were completely cool with it. She got hired the first week in august and was Due in December. As long as she completed her 90 day orientation, she as able to keep her job and this hospital even gave her paid maternity leave.

My advice would be, since its pretty early in your pregnancy, just tell them when you start orientation or maybe even a few weeks in. You shouldn't have any problem finishing your orientation and this way it wont look like you are trying to hide something. Women get pregnant, and thats something employers realize when hiring, they cant discriminate against you. And even though some do, by telling them early, you are giving them ample notice to find coverage for your shifts.

Congrats on the pregnancy by the way :)

iteachob, MSN, RN · Jun 30, 2011

It's really none of your employer's business (especially at this point...early pregnancy and during orientation)! It will become obvious soon enough.

Just look around....plenty of pregnant nurses j(and other healthcare workers) in most hospitals.

RainnRN · Jun 30, 2011

If you became pregnant with a Paragurd IUD in place PLEASE call your doctor.

mojomama · Jun 30, 2011

@Rainn- I called immediately, I'm going in tomorrow because of the high risk of ectopic pregnancy.

To all of you- Thanks for the replies. I appreciate hearing this. If this is a legit pregnancy (i.e. not ectopic) it would make #3 for my husband and I.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2011

1. Yeah, starting a new job.... not sure this is the best impression.

It might not feel like it's the best impression, but the vast majority of employers will be understanding about pregnancy. Legally, they can't descriminate against you for it, so even if they don't like it, they can't retaliate. The employer is not obligated to give you any maternity benefits, (per policy, most require one year of employment) but they do have to hold your job for you for six weeks.

2. Um... Way to go Paragard! This was obviously NOT planned.

Congratulations! Babies are exciting whether they are planned or not! Definately call your doctor (find an OB-GYN) and make an appointment, especially if you have Paragard in place. Find out how far along you are and that will help guide your decision to tell your employer.

3. Tell my new employer immediately? Wait? I don't know what to do.

Usually I would say that you don't have any obligation to tell your employer that you are pregnant as soon as you find out. Many people prefer to wait until they are further along in the pregnancy or until they are beginning to show. It's really up to you.

However, you didn't mention what kind of job you have, so the one expection to the rule above would be if you were working with any drugs that could be harmful (chemo) or patients with certain diseases that are harmful for pregnant women. If so, you should tell your employer about your pregnancy so that you are not assigned to patients with these conditions. If it's not an issue where you work, feel free to tell them whenever you are comfortable. If it were me, I would probably mention something after orientation, once it has been established that you are a good fit for the job.

Congratulations again. Good luck!

mojomama · Jun 30, 2011

I'm starting my career in Labor and Delivery.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2011

I'm starting my career in Labor and Delivery.

How appropriate! :-)

Btw, if possible, I recommend planning to deliver at a hospital other than where you work. Just so that it's not you co-workers who see you when you're in labor. It also will afford you more privacy, as your co-workers won't be popping in to visit frequently.

RainnRN · Jun 30, 2011

Good luck with your pregnancy and in your new career!

casi, ASN, RN · Jun 30, 2011

I'd wait to tell your new employer. Most people I know have waited around 3 months to inform employers, this seems to be a good time period as the risk of miscarriage at this point as drastically decreased.

I say get into your doctor first and find out what is going on and then go from there.

mojomama · Jun 30, 2011

How appropriate! :-)
Btw, if possible, I recommend planning to deliver at a hospital other than where you work. Just so that it's not you co-workers who see you when you're in labor. It also will afford you more privacy, as your co-workers won't be popping in to visit frequently.

Very appropriate, lol! And not to worry... I won't deliver where I work, it's the county hospital and a 27 mile drive for me!

NicuGal, MSN, RN · Jun 30, 2011

I'd tell them when you start...you may get moms with things you can't be exposed to (ie certain viruses, etc) at our hospital some things carry a "don't give to the pregnant one" stigma that has been set up by our OB docs and NICU docs.

And it isn't that bad to deliver where you work...were I work, our insurance only covers our hospital 100% so you may want to check you insurance. I work 32 miles from work and delivered my kiddos there...and it is a county hospital ( you kind of made it sound like it is bad to deliver at a county hospital when most of them are higher level hospitals funded by county monies).

Good luck!