Pregnant: Chance of being Fired in the First 90days

RheatherN, ASN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 3, 2009

i honestly have no reply to that, because i think its dumb that they can fire you at will as you say and i would never want to work somewhere like that. but if you enjoy, that is all yours!

I just wanted to say CONGRATS! I am jealous! i cant wait to be blessed and get pregnant with our first! and good luck in whatever comes your way!

-H-RN

jayde_RN · Jun 3, 2009

Thanks, unfortunately, jobs in my area are limited if you are experienced and practically non-existent if you have none. Now consider this in an area that has 7 nursing schools withina 100 mile radius....COMPETITIVE!!! I've been applying since December and this has been my first and only interview. And trust me, it was not my first choice, but I'm just thankful to finally have a job!

And babydust to you!!! I'll send you my personal stash bc after this one I am done! Thanks again!

butterfly journey · Jun 3, 2009

If they were to let you go for being pregnant, that I believe is illegal no matter 90 day probation or not. That is a protected class, just like if you were over 40. (btw - federal law, not state) That being said, it might not be easy to prove that's why they let you go. So do the best you can, have faith that it will work out and I'm sure that you will be ok.

Lea

qt2168 · Jun 3, 2009

lol at the babydust! That is the cutest thing I have ever heard.

butterfly journey · Jun 3, 2009

Also, at-will means that they don't have to have a reason for terminating you; however, they can't do it for some very specific reason i.e. over 40, pregnant, race, ethnicity, etc. It becomes a documentation nightmare for them to do it to stand up on court.

SweetLemon · Jun 3, 2009

HI everyone!
So after searching for my first RN job since December, I was finally blessed with a job in LTC last week. During orientation, it was made clear that we work in an 'at will state' which means the employer can terminate employment at anytime, and without reason if it falls within the first 90 days of employment. Well, I am almost 14 weeks pregnant, which means by the end of my first 90, I will be about 7 months and most likely HUGE! Oh yeah, did I mention I have NO experience as an RN???
So my question, what do you think the chance of them letting me go is once they figure out I'm pregnant and not fat? Now, I know a company cannot legally terminate an employee for being pregnant, but that would be next to impossible to prove if they decided to X me before the 90 days are up. So should I expect be fired once they realize what's up?
Oh and for what it's worth: I plan on taking 4 weeks max when the baby comes (granted it is an uncomplicated ag delivery) and I am a natural born breeder, meaning I may get huge, but I carry my babies well (few aches and pains, little to no waddling, I basically function normally, just with a big belly) so I really don't anticipate any problems being able to perform.

THAT MADE ME LAUGH SO HARD! sounds like something you would say about livestock, but cute all the same.

Personally I would get through the first few weeks of orientation, make sure that it is really a good fit on your side and then tell them. Allow them to invest in you before you break the news. I know this probably sounds like you doing something on the sly but when did it become a crime to have a baby. Many of your co-workers in 6-8months will probably begin planning for vacations, yes your time off will be a little bit longer but its not as though you are planning to work, have you baby and then quit on them. Good Luck and congrats on your new little family member!

roseglasses · Jun 3, 2009

I'm a Certified pharmacy tech currently working toward my rn. I worked for a large company in a right to work state (Another tech was pregnant with her 4th child and the dr put her out of work at 12 weeks because her last pregnancy ended in a miscarriage) I told my pharmacy manager I was pregnant the day after I found out which was a Friday, I was so excited I would have screamed it from the top of the building, the manager went on vacation the following week. He came back on monday and fired me on my 89th day of employement for no other reason, I asked and he stated he did not have to give me a reason; They had to give a reason to unemployment and I recieved unemployment until my son was born, so it is not unheard of

keithjones · Jun 3, 2009

my wife got terminated from a job less than a week after informing the company she worked for that she was pregnant. they told her it was for some ridiculus thing that wasn't bad at all. she was friends with one of the district managers who told her later that her pregnancy was discussed at their weekly meeting and they decided to terminate her the same day. we talked to a lawyer and they said the burden of proof is on you, not the management. i hope this doesn't happen to you.

I love my cat! · Jun 3, 2009

its not as though you are planning to work, have you baby and then quit on them.

But this is not unheard of. As a matter of fact, it had gotten to the point that as soon as we hear a co-worker is pregnant, we start planning for her farewell party (kidding, sort of). :smiley_aa Not because we are happy to see her leave, but we know she will.

It almost always plays out like this: Woman becomes pregnant, then goes on light duty then leaves work early using part of her leave (but convinces everyone that she is indeed coming back to work ASAP, full-time!). Has baby, takes full leave, comes back to work part-time, then uses vacation time, then quits.

I see this happen over and over.

Anyway, from what I understand, you can be fired w/in the 90 days, but "Pregnancy" will never be the reason. Well, it could be if the Employer is that stupid. In an at-will state, an Employer doesn't have to provide the Employee with a reason for the firing anyway. A reason is often provided, but only as a general 'courtesy' (for lack of a better word).

If you do get fired and you think it is because you are pregnant and for no other reason, please, talk w/ an attorney.

zuzi · Jun 3, 2009

They will not terminate with you because you are pregnant.

But if you was pregnant before to be hired by them and you choosed to don't tell them is a LIE that in time will come back to you...

If they hired you they need you and they already know that you are new grad, so they will support you. Now THEY don't know you that you are pregnant. If I was you I will go directly to HR and told them the truth. Is honest is not like you want to trick them. Tell them about your plans.. when you will stop to wok when you will back. You need to assume that! HEY we are women.. we do babies...is life! They will understand you but in the same time YOU need to understand them and give them time to find a replacement for you, until you will be available again. Always choose THE TRUTH!

Baby shower, yupiiiiiiiii! Congratulation! :heartbeat:yeah:

nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN · Jun 3, 2009

I've seen 3 nurses at my hospital terminated within a couple of weeks of telling someone they were pregnant. Personally, I wouldn't tell them until the kid was crowning, if I had the option.

Seriously, tho, don't think I'd tell anyone officially until 91st day of employment. And I'd still expect the worst. We had a nurse go out on FMLA after extensive spinal surgery, and they fired her the day her FMLA ran out; she'd been there 15 years.

I know you're new to the game, but believe me. Managment is not your friend. Ever. The minute they think you no longer make them money, or you're going to cost them money, you're gone.

This is just at my hospital, your mileage may vary...