Job interview while pregnant

Nurses Career Support

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So here is my situation. I found out i was pregnant in may and was working full time on a medsurg floor 12 hr shifts very busy. Before i found out i had planned on quitting this job soon because i was unhappy in the job. Anyways, at 6 weeks pregnant i went ahead and quit as i was starting to suffer from all day nausea and vomiting and already knew this job would be beyond my limits since i was struggling with it already. Now im 12 weeks and starting to feel better, i want a part time job to bring in some extra money. I do have enough in my savings to live off of until after the baby is born but i dont want to use it if i dont have to. If i go on interviews should i tell the employer im pregnant? I am not quite showing yet just look pudgy like i have been eating a lot. Please no judgement on my situation.

cleback

1,381 Posts

I would not tell them unless you're hired and after the probation period. Scrubs are wonderfully generous for hiding bumps. If you're asked, though, be truthful.

Be advised though that you won't qualify for fmla when it comes time. You may want to (eventually, after hire) ask hr if you'd qualify for any other type of leave or short term disability.

Sour Lemon

5,016 Posts

You're not required to disclose, but it might be better for you if you do. If they decide to get rid of you because you're pregnant, they simply have to claim it's for another reason.

Most employers will be interested in why you quit your prior job, so have an answer ready.

KRVRN, BSN, RN

1,334 Posts

Specializes in NICU.
I would not tell them unless you're hired and after the probation period. Scrubs are wonderfully generous for hiding bumps. If you're asked, though, be truthful.

Be advised though that you won't qualify for fmla when it comes time. You may want to (eventually, after hire) ask hr if you'd qualify for any other type of leave or short term disability.

An interviewer can't ask if you're pregnant.

cleback

1,381 Posts

An interviewer can't ask if you're pregnant.

Understood. I meant if she's hired and still on probation and is obviously pregnant, she may be asked. In that case, I'd be open about it.

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN

2,776 Posts

Specializes in school nurse.

I'm of the "just because you don't HAVE to disclose it doesn't make it right to not do so" opinion...

allnurses Guide

Nurse SMS, MSN, RN

6,843 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Hindsight being what it is, you would have done better to use FMLA to get past the pukey stage of pregnancy then returned to your job or changed to PRN status. Have you considered reapplying where you were?

bmryan06

9 Posts

I applied for, interviewed and got hired at a PRN position while 34 weeks pregnant. I hid it as best as possible, but I knew they knew but they can't ask you. I ended up delivering before I started and had my first day when my baby was 9 days old. I was fine and felt fine. I told them when I started that yes I was pregnant, mainly because I didn't want to insult their intelligence as women and nurses. They were fine with it.

I would start applying soon and I wouldn't tell them. You can say something when you pass probation which is probably when it will become obvious.

I would look into your contract now, regarding required shift amounts since you will be part time or PRN. Since I was PRN I was only obligated to work 1 shift per pay period. So that way you are able to figure out what you will do once baby comes. Because as someone else pointed out, you won't be eligible for FMLA.

Look for something less chaotic. I work at an ambulatory surgery center, much more laid back than the Level 1 Trauma ER I was at. Hours are better also especially for a mom.

remotefuse

177 Posts

First off, congratulations on your pregnancy!

And for your question, you do not have to disclose that you are pregnant. It is 100% your choice, but I personally would not. Although it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of pregnancy, I would still steer clear from it, and once you are ready, let your manager/director know.

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