Pregnancy & PRN

[Art_Vandelay]

Hello all,

I recently moved to a new area and then found out I'm pregnant with our first child. My husband seems convinced that noone will hire me PRN since I'm due in 6 months. Unfortunately, the hospital I worked for prior to moving has no facilities here. I have started updating my resume, but I haven't applied anywhere yet. I have seen nurses working until they deliver, but at places they already had established a work history. Just a note: financially speaking, I don't need to work, but I am going a little crazy being the stay at home wife. My husband is OK with me working, but is worried that I may "burn bridges." Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

[celtchick68]

All they can say is 'no'. (that would be discrimination to not hire you based on pregnancy status just as an aside) I'd fill out the applications and see what happens.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

All they can say is 'no'. (that would be discrimination to not hire you based on pregnancy status just as an aside)

All the hospital has to say is, "we selected another candidate with better skills", and the burden would be on her to prove that the pregnancy was the reason she didn't get the job. And while the odds are good it is discrimination in disguise, also keep in mind that it really may be a candidate with better skills that wins out over her.

OP: apply for jobs because you have nothing to lose...alternatively, you can try agency nursing. Like said before, the worst they can tell you is "No." Going for PRN/agency/temp may even help, since it's not like they'd have to fill a staffing gap once you go on maternity leave, or have to give you FMLA/benefits. You'd be "as needed": you owe them nothing and they owe you nothing.

Good luck and congratulations!

[EriNurseNJ]

Like previous posters stated, the worst they could do is not hire you. I would definitely apply and, if you are planning to return to work after the baby, stress that in your interview as well. A game plan like "I would like to take 3 months off and then continue 2/3/4 whatver shifts per week" will show how serious you are about the postion. Also, you may be more likely to land a postion in a general float pool (where they are less likely to notice your absence) than a per diem job on a specific unit. And, for what its worth, I just had a baby on February 7 and worked ICU right up to 2 weeks before my due date, so you could get a few good months out of a position before baby arrives.