Pregnant and Accepting Job Position

[Mary C, MSN, RN, APRN, CNM]

I just receieved a phone call from a facility I had four interviews with. The last interview (and all) went very well. I missed the phone call but they left a message. I'm anticipating a job offer.

If they offer the job, I am 22 weeks pregnant. I feel that it would be fairly obvious from interviews, but I did wear a bulky blazer (the only suit I could buy on short notice that fit!) The administrator of the nursing home is the one I must call back.

I'm a very sincere person. I'm not a very good liar, and I'm certainly very torn up about what the proper thing to do is. I don't want to affect anyone else, and know that my impending leave may hurt someone. I know they can't retract the job offer becuase I'm pregnant, but I also know I have to be careful, because I'm not yet covered by FMLA

If they offer the job, should I thank them, accept, and announce "as you probably know, I'm 22 weeks pregnant..."?

Should I wait to notify HR after accepting?

Or should I wait til my first day? Or first week?

[hladawn]

I'm going through the same dilemma. I am 28 weeks pregnant and I graduate from nursing school in 2 days. I know I probably won't get my ATT until the end of May and my license until the middle of June. My issue is when should I apply should I do it now? Or wait until 3 months after the end of July when my baby's born. I just don't know, all the nurses I know that are already employed say do NOT wait to apply. I just don't know I'm torn.

[Mary C, MSN, RN, APRN, CNM]

What did you wind up doing, hladawn? I accepted the job and notified them I was pregnant. I start June 1st!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Congratulations to both of you!

Be aware that they can't fire you just for being pregnant. However, they CAN fire you if you're not doing your job, if they can demonstrate that they'd fire a non-pregnant staff member for the same poor performance. So be sure to work the best that you safely can!