Planning to have a baby.. new nurse

AKA_Glamour_Pearl · Apr 2, 2011

It may not be a problem with getting a job, but they may not hold your position. I knew a girl that was hired at 6 months and she was fired when she had her baby. I can't remember the specifics, but it had to do with not accruing enough time and her position couldn't be held. This was at a bank, though.

Hospitals may be a little different. They may not hire you at all. It would be discrimination, but it would be difficult to prove. Honestly, would you want to hire someone at 5 months? You would still be in training when you went to have your baby (assuming 4-6months training). Then you'd be out of work for 2-3 months. Times have changed, but you would be giving HR a "reason" to see you as not being fit to perform the job. I wouldn't do it.

Honestly, I'm in your shoes. My fiance is baby crazy right now, but I need to make sure that I have a job first. I don't want to take any chances. I'm waiting until I'm employed. I understand what you're saying, but don't put the cart before the horse...unless it's a medical reason and time isn't on your side. Good luck!

AKA_Glamour_Pearl · Apr 2, 2011

I forgot to add, that my cousin was 6 months pregnant when she passed the NCLEX. It was quite "odd" that EVERYONE in her nursing class found a job almost immediately, except her. She has a job now, but she was delayed by 9 months! If you can wait, then wait. If finances aren't an issue and you don't need to try to get your foot in the door ASAP, then start your family! Good luck. :)

SerenePeach · Apr 2, 2011

Can you wait and plan to get pregnant 4-5 months after you've found a job? That way, you'll be employed for 12 months (if you have a relatively 'normal' pregnancy not requiring bedrest) and take advantage of FMLA, meaning they can hold your job until you get back from leave.

futureRN_Anastasia · Apr 2, 2011

It is hard to find a job while pregnant. I went to a few interviews when I was pregnant with DS, and suddenly after stellar phone interview, when they saw me in person the position was "no longer available for funding reasons" in a few companies. That sucked.

AKA_Glamour_Pearl · Apr 2, 2011

Can you wait and plan to get pregnant 4-5 months after you've found a job? That way, you'll be employed for 12 months (if you have a relatively 'normal' pregnancy not requiring bedrest) and take advantage of FMLA, meaning they can hold your job until you get back from leave.

Yes! FMLA. It's been so long that I couldn't remember what it was called. I thought it was so horrible that they hired her to begin with and then fired her. She was an wonderful employee and did everything according to policy. She even had the highest number of referrals, but in the end it didn't matter. :crying2:

Meese.C · Apr 2, 2011

thanks everyone... i know it sounds foolish of me to be stressing over this... im only 22.. lol... but we are just ready to start a family... but after all the good points everyone brings up, i think it would be smart of me to wait until im employed and then start trying to conceive

BrookeeLou_RN · Apr 2, 2011

My opinion would be to pass NCLEX, get job then start working on family....not everyone can get pregnant exactly when they want so you can work and accrue time off while you are waiting and then while pregnant.

This way you would also know what being a nurse feels like prior to having your baby. Especially at 22 this seems like a good plan.

And until then you and hubby can practice:idea:

MariaAnderson · Apr 2, 2011

My advice is that wait till your baby is born before pursuing with the job. Hospital work is a lot difference compared to just office jobs in where you can take your leave any time. It is really common sense, some may not really hire you because they know that after a few months you will also take your leave again.

This also lessens the chance of being frustrated. You should stay happy for your baby :):):)

Otessa, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2011

You will not have maternity leave time built up. There are many places where you have to work a year before you get any paid maternity leave. It is a bit of a gamble , especially with jobs being few and far between. Also need to look at childcare (unless you have that all planned already). The place we wanted had a 6+ month wait for an infant.

Otessa, BSN, RN · Apr 2, 2011

So I have been married 3 years and i graduate from my ADN program this June... Assuming i pass the NCLEX on the first try in September and estimating the average 3 months (based on conversation with numerous other recently hired grads), My husband and i want to start our family immediately. we have been wanting to but we figured it would be smart to wait til after school is over. If i plan to get pregnant in july or august (before the nclex), i will be 5 months pregnant when hired to my first job, and then i'd have to go on maternity leave about 4 months after being hired? will that be a problem? will finding a job as a 5 month pregnant new grad be a problem? i need advise my fellow nurses...

You may not get pregnant right away-it could take 3, 6 or 12 months to conceive.

KyPinkRN · Apr 2, 2011

I would wait until about 6 months after you find a job. That way your new employer can see what kind of nurse the non-pregnant you will be. Your first year as a nurse is hard enough adding a pregnancy on to that may not be to your advantage. I understand about waiting though. I graduated in Dec of 07 and got preggers in May of 08. It was tough on me and I can honestly say that while preggers I didn't do the same quality of work