Pregnant CNA

[AW79]

Hi! This is my first post on this site. I need some advice. I just recently became a CNA, and at the end of my training class I found out I am pregnant. I really need a job, and have been applying like crazy, but I am worried about being pregnant and working as a CNA. I am 12 weeks along now and have a very weak stomach. I also wonder if anyone will even hire me. I can't exactly hide it (it's my 4th baby, so I am already showing!) I keep wondering if getting a job right now would be a good idea, since CNA work is very demanding. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Should I keep trying or would I be better off getting a different kind of job until after the baby is born? Thanks!

[caliotter3]

I really think it would be better to get a different kind of job until after the baby is born. Unless you could talk yourself into a light duty position, where perhaps you do vital signs, passing water, or some kind of office type duties. They could probably find light duties to keep you busy for 8 hours but I doubt that any facility will want to pay a CNA that would not be doing the heavy stuff. You might have to wait until baby has arrived until you can get a job.

[Ev1987]

I am 27 weeks pregnant, and soon about to hit my third trimester. I didn't tell my employer at the interview that I was expecting, I waited until after I was offically hired until I broke the news. I will have finished my 90 day probabtion period one month before I go on my 30 day maternal leave. My facility at the moment placed me with more alert resident that are easy to transfer and get up out of bed, but my best advice is that if you can find a job that is less manual labor on your body, I would do so. Just for the safety of the baby. Best wishes to you and your child!

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

Maybe you should look ino doing home health. It might be less lifting for you & a heck of a lot less stressful!

[annacnatorn]

I agree, Home Health would definitely be less stressful, however you must consider the driving you would be doing. I might just be better to wait until after you have your little one, that way you don't put either yourself or the baby in jeopardy.

congrats on Baby #4...may He or She be healthy and strong and your labor be short!

[Work in Progress]

I worked in a hospital as a CNA when I was pregnant. I found out the day after I was hired. When I started getting further along, they had me as a sitter for patients who needed continuous company so that they didn't pull out IVs, etc. It wasn't too overly exerting. The only thing is that FMLA does not apply if you have worked at a company for less than a year, so they may not guarantee to hold your position until you are back from maternity leave. Also, even though it is illegal to discriminate against a woman in hiring for being pregnant, that won't stop them for coming up with another "reason" not to hire you.

[Dolly05]

the safe way way is u go get another different job or go looking for home health !good luck!