leaving job when pregnant?

Nurses Career Support

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So here's my dilemma. I've worked in a stressful PICU for 2-3yrs. For the past 6 months or more I've thought about leaving. I just don't think I'm cut out for this type of nursing. I kept thinking it would get better the longer I'm there, but I actually feel like it's getting worse. Like I'm getting dumber the more time I spend there. I know that sounds silly, but I think the longer I'm there, the more I'm expected to take care of the "sicker" kids, which is just making me realize that it's too much for me.

Anyway, I recently found out I'm pregnant:yeah:, which puts a damper on my plans to leave. I really wanted that 3months of FMLA, especially with this being our first child. If I go elsewhere, sure I can probably get the 6-8weeks disability pay at a new job, but I won't be eligible for the rest of the time off.

So now I'm torn between leaving for my own sanity, or trying to stick it out for the next 7 months of my pregnancy. Logically I know I should just leave, find someplace that makes me happier, and just deal with the fact that I won't have as much time off later. Even if I stayed at my current job, I'd still have to return after my maternity leave in order to be eligible for my disibility pay, and I really don't think I can hack that!

Has anyone been in a similar situation? How did it work out? Any words of encouragement that this will all work out for me?

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Congratulations on your pregnancy! It would be nice to have that extra time off, but you also have to consider the effect that stress is going to have on your baby. IMO, it wouldn't be worth it. Have you thought about staying with your current employer, but transferring to a less stressful unit? Or even considering a non-clinical job? With 3 years of experience, I'm sure that you would be able to find something. Also, what if you could negotiate with the employer to have the time off, but just not get paid for it? Could you afford to do this?

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Specializes in SICU.

What makes you think that you can have 3 months of FMLA? Before deciding anything you need to go to HR and find out just what the rules about FMLA are just what amount of time and money would you get if you stayed in this current job.

You just might find out that it results in very little and would make the choice of leaving easier. You need to start with facts and not rumor of what FMLA provides.

Another thing to think about is who covers your health insurance, you or your partner. That can also effect the decision to stay or go.

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"What makes you think that you can have 3 months of FMLA? Before deciding anything you need to go to HR and find out just what the rules about FMLA are just what amount of time and money would you get if you stayed in this current job.

You just might find out that it results in very little and would make the choice of leaving easier. You need to start with facts and not rumor of what FMLA provides.

Another thing to think about is who covers your health insurance, you or your partner. That can also effect the decision to stay or go."

Ummm, maybe the fact that I worked in HR for several years and one of my responsibilities was explaining FMLA and disability to the hospital employees that had to take leave.

You came across as awfully harsh and condescending in this post.

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Specializes in SICU.

Didn't mean to come across as condisending and harsh, sorry about that. I have not used FMLA myself, but friends that have due to pregancy have always complained about just how little it actually gave them, just 6 weeks of not always paid leave for a lady partsl delivery.

From everything that was said it seemed like it was not a reason to stay in a job that was causing a lot of stress. From your post, about the only reason you gave for staying was the FMLA. Again sorry if it came off as harsh, it was not meant to be.

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44444

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from experience, finding a job while pregnant can be quite challenging. just something to keep in mind!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

If the OP has worked in HR, she should know that pregnancy is not a 'disability' and should not be labeled as such. :lol2:

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
from experience, finding a job while pregnant can be quite challenging. just something to keep in mind!

That would be my concern. Granted, they can't legally use your pregnancy as a reason to discriminate against you...but that's not to say they won't come up with some other reason not to hire you.

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That would be my concern. Granted, they can't legally use your pregnancy as a reason to discriminate against you...but that's not to say they won't come up with some other reason not to hire you.

They don't even have to give a reason. They just never call you. If you ask, they just say they went with another candidate.

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

I would personally stick out the job since you are pregnant. You don't need the stress of a new job while pregnant. Who knows if you will have hyperemesis, or other pregnancy complications and need some time off during the pregnancy as well. You won't be able to get time off easily with a new employer. I personally wouldn't want to deal with learning a new job while pregnant. You can then use your remaining FMLA leave after you deliver- and continue your health benefits during that time- and then quit instead of returning if you want. You can look for a new job while out on leave. Having 3 months off with a new baby is great compared to 6 weeks. If you quit, you can even stretch it a little longer (really up to 6 months without it looking bad) 6 weeks is barely enough time to get the baby to learn night from day and to stop bleeding, yet to adjust to being a parent. By 3 months, you pretty much have adjusted and are fully recovered from delivery. It is hard to leave a 6 week old baby, and a little easier to leave a 3 month old. I don't know who is going to hire you if they know you are pregnant. Yes, that is discrimination, but they can always say they found a more qualified candidate. Stick out the job- there is light at the end of the tunnel. You know you have an out. LOTS of women choose to not return to work after having a baby, so it won't be the end of the world to them if you don't go back. Employers are used to it. They don't have to know if you went to work somewhere else instead. You have enough experience, so finding a new job shouldn't be too difficult.

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