Newly pregnant...when to tell work?

[jmblair1]

Hi all. I just found out I am pregnant...only 5 weeks. My concern is that I work in ICU and we often have a LOT of patients that are on contact precautions (mostly C-diff, ESBL, VRE etc). I know they say not to tell your employer until you are farther along when the threat of miscarriage is less. However, is this true in the nursing profession? I know the first trimester is so important as far as baby's development and I don't know if it's safe to take contact patients? I also don't want to put myself at a greater risk for miscarriage because I'm taking care of these types of patients. So, when do I tell my employer that I'm pregnant? Does the whole contact thing not make much of a difference that I can wait till I'm further along? It wasn't a planned pregnancy either, so I'm hesitant to say something and then end up miscarrying.

My other question is that I also work registry ICU. So...does anyone know how this works? Do I tell the company I do registry with that I'm pregnant and they pass on the info? Do I wait till I get to the hospital to tell them I'm pregnant (as far as restrictions go)? I know a lot of times they have assignments made out early, so I'm thinking that waiting to get to the hospital to mention something everytime I work may not be the best idea. I'm just not sure how to handle the whole registry thing being pregnant. Especially since they seem to give me all the contact, difficult patients....the joys of registry! haha. Thanks for any advice ya'll can give! : )

[colleennurse, ASN, RN]

I would tell them when you feel comfortable. I have had miscarriages before, so I asked my boss not to tell anyone until I was ready for that reason. I think usually around 12 weeks is the norm. As far as the contact patient's, as long as you follow all the "precaution rules" I think you would be ok. Although I did homecare when I was preggers, so I am not completely sure on that one. Good luck and congrats!

[merlee]

Simple contact precautions are not as problematic as the airborne/viral issues. You should tell your employer ASAP; your baby is more important than your job.

Best wishes!

[GM2RN]

You shouldn't be at any more risk now that you are pregnant as long as you adhere to all precautions for whatever type of pt you are caring for. So, technically speaking, you don't need to tell your employer except to give them enough time to plan for coverage while you are off work. If, however, you foresee a situation that could truly put you at risk, you would need to tell them then. Otherwise, tell them when you feel comfortable doing so.

As for your registry job, I'm not sure what kind of restrictions you are anticipating, but I wouldn't expect them to accommodate restrictions since since they don't have to.

[Tait, MSN, RN]

I am currently 36 weeks pregnant and my boss and charge nurses all knew when I knew, around 5 weeks. Yes I had two miscarriages, but it comes with the territory. After two years of TTC I wasn't taking any chances.

I still take contact patients, just no shingles, Influenza A/B or TB (There is another respiratory one I can't remember, but I don't think we ever see it). Thankfully the staff on my floor are very understanding and I often don't have a contact at all.

It is a difficult decision, because once they know, they will also know if something goes wrong. But in the end most people just offer a little consolidation and the days goes on.

Congratulations and best of luck with your pregnancy!!

[Amparo Pagan Titmus, MSN, RN]

The one person you should be asking about limitations in your employment is your primary care provider. As mentioned above, shingles is definitely one you need to avoid. Notifying your coworkers and employer will certainly appeal to them for consideration and assistance when needed but adhering to the necessary precautions should suffice.

Congratulations and all the best!