Nursing specialties to avoid while pregnant?

[CMV2254]

Hi everyone. I'm not sure this is the proper place for me to ask this, but I'd be grateful if anyone has input to share. 

So, straight out of high school I wanted to pursue a career somehow related to medicine, but my family talked me into teaching instead. In 2016 I completed a bachelor's in elementary education despite knowing in my gut it wasn't where I wanted to be. I taught abroad in Shanghai, China and spent most of free time researching and debating what path I would choose once I returned home. When I made it back to the states I took a year away from teaching to take some science prerequisites, briefly worked as a pharmacy tech, then gave teaching another try. I left my job as a fourth grade teacher last December and began working at Oklahoma Blood Institute as a phlebotomist before starting OCCC's accelerated bachelors to associate of nursing degree program. I know that as a student I haven't truly experienced what it's like to be a working RN, but I do know that I am exponentially happier during clinicals than I ever was working in education. I feel like I've found my place and I am so excited to graduate in March 2021 and actually start working.

BUT! I am also excited to be starting a family with my husband. After spending a lot of time considering timelines and revising our plans, we are officially trying to conceive. Based on some previous issues it is likely that we may have trouble conceiving/maintaining a pregnancy, which is part of why we don't want to wait any longer to begin trying. However, this makes me extra paranoid about new work opportunities. Obviously nursing is physically demanding and comes with a lot of occupational hazards, particularly in the COVID era. Orienting as a new grad and trying to get my feet under me will undoubtedly be stressful in and of itself. Ideally, I want to work in critical care. I know a lot of people are against new grads applying to critical care positions, which I understand to an extent. However, my last clinical instructor used to work in my #1 choice hospital's ICU and said that she could put in a good word for me and acted like I would have decent odds of being hired as a new grad given the current climate there, as well as the fact that they are a teaching hospital. But now that I am beginning to apply to jobs, I am wondering if I should aim for a different unit that might be more....accommodating? if that's the right word? I don't think there is an area of nursing that doesn't involve heavy lifting or stress, but do any experienced nurses have suggestions for areas that should absolutely be avoided while pregnant or areas that might be a better fit for someone in that period of their life. Long term, I want to keep the possibility of PA school open (not trying to start a debate between PA or NP here). I LOVED the time I have spent so far in critical care and think I would enjoy that and it would prepare me well for becoming a mid level if I ever choose to do so, but maybe for my first few years as a nurse while I'm still getting the hang of basic skills and trying to grow a baby(ies) I could find contentment somewhere else? Someone recommended L&D or mother/baby. Typically I wouldn't have pictured myself there but now maybe I could? Granted, I didn't have a great experience during my brief L&D rotation  so that might be making me biased against L&D. I'm also lucky that my husband has excellent insurance and benefits, so I have considered working full time as a new grad (not knowing how long it will actually take us to get pregnant) then transitioning to part-time or PRN after I give birth until they are toddler age. Is it possible for new grads to ever be hired in part-time or PRN positions? Since insurance isn't a make or break deal for us, I have also considered taking a part-time job, getting oriented to that, then depending on whether or not I am pregnant by that point could take an addition PRN job somewhere else so that I could have a little more control over my schedule? Is that even thing that people can do or am I being a very naive student here? 

 

Anyway! Apologies for the novel. Long-story short– What units would you say to absolutely avoid while trying to conceive/grow a baby vs units that might be slightly more conducive to that time period. Would also love any personal experiences, good or bad, from people who have worked as a nurse while pregnant. 

 

Thank you in advance!

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

How is your area for new grads? Right now with covid, many are hiring experienced only. In which case, I'd say take the job that you can get.

If your area is more new grad friendly, I'd look at mom/baby if it's an interest, as it's hard to get into, so if you can get there, do so.

With pregnancy, remember, you'll need to work 12 months and x amount of hours (someplaces more generous), before you can take FMLA for baby-in some cases, this does not include your residency. The rules are murky and some places manipulate, so you will need to check that. Also, many places, not all, require 1 year solid experience before PRN. Just some things to think about.

Some will say the specialty to avoid if pregnant is oncology. Some of the chemo agents are bad news to fetus. But reading info on meds given in other general areas, many meds are potentially harmful depending on situation. 

Just some thoughts off the top of my head. Good luck on your job search

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

You could probably get part time outside of acute care, but if you hope to land a hospital position, no reputable hospital is going to hire a new grad part time. New grads need intensive support and precepting - something that just isn't feasible for a PRN or part-time employee. 

I personally don't see a problem with any given specialty when pregnant. Pregnancy in general is a healthy body state and if you take standard precautions, your baby should not be at risk. I have seen pregnant women in all specialties and all do fine until toward the end, when lifting and moving heavy patients is difficult with a growing baby bump and all those hours on your feet get pretty rough. 

If you have the opportunity for critical care and that is where you want to be, then of course you should take it. Returning to work part time or PRN after baby is born may or may not be possible. You will have to roll the dice, no matter where you hire in. I definitely would not reveal any of these potentials while interviewing. 

Good luck both with interviewing and beginning to grow your family. This is a very exciting time for you.

[1gr8trnstudent, ADN, BSN, RN]

Hey, I started as a new grad 6 months pregnant part time at a big time teaching hospital in my time. Gave birth halfway into my orientation. It is possible to get a part time new grad position. As the other poster said, it's hard to get PRN unless you have 1 year experience. Good luck!!