Pregnant! Do I tell them at new job?

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Specializes in neurology.

So I graduate NS in a couple weeks - a local hospital already hired me with a start date in July. After getting the job I got pregnant...

DH and I are so excited to be having a baby - but I'm nervous about whether or not I should tell people. I have to go to the new hire physical exam in a few days...

I don't intend to be a stay at home mom... I plan on coming right back to work after the baby's born (in January!)...

I called HR when we were TTC and they said their "unwritten policy" is that they will hold the job for up to 8 weeks if I've been working there less than a year. They asked when I was due and I told them I was not pregnant (b/c at the time I wasn't) but I was just curious since I'm married.

Any advice?? Do I tell? When? Thanks in advance!

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The reason they are going to hold your job for 8 weeks is because pregnancy is considered a short-term disability and must be treated with equal consideration along with a surgery or other short-term illness.

Most doctors will "write you out" for 8 weeks.

You are not eligible for FMLA until you have been there for at least a year.

I would also caution you, if you are on your husband's insurance to REMAIN on that until after the baby is born. Pregnancy will most likely be considered a pre-existing condition and your insurance at the hospital doesn't have to pay for it.

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery.

If it were me I would not divulge until after my probationary period. I live in an "at will" state where the employer can fire you without giving a specific reason that's why. If your job doesn't put you or your baby at risk I would wait a little while, probably until I reached the second trimester. Whatever you choose good luck and congrats on your pregnancy!!!!

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Specializes in neurology.

By the time I start orientation, I will be in my 4th month and I may even have a bit of a baby bump :redpinkhe

I have my physical in a few days though... should I not say anything? I shouldn't need a new PPD or any vaccines b/c I have all that documented from nursing school...

I have a feeling people are going to know I'm pregnant just by looking at me (my friends at NS could tell right away from my swollen, tired, "glowing" face LOL :chuckle)

....but will they be mad I didn't tell them sooner?

I'm going to be having the baby at the hospital I'll be working at...

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

There is no law that states you have to tell them by a certain time. Tell them when you are comfortable and ready. The 1st person you should tell though is your immediate mgr, not that it technically matters if she hears it through the grape vine per say--but you dont want him/her thinking you are someone that is "sneaky" or not upfront about situations.

Once you are an employee and acclimated to the unit, sched a meeting with your immediate supervisor and let them know come Jan you will be having a baby, and your so excited etc etc etc and then let them know your tentative time off plans. 6-8-12 weeks etc.

Congrats on a very exciting future!!!

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Specializes in ICU.
by the time i start orientation, i will be in my 4th month and i may even have a bit of a baby bump :redpinkhe

i have my physical in a few days though... should i not say anything? i shouldn't need a new ppd or any vaccines b/c i have all that documented from nursing school...

i have a feeling people are going to know i'm pregnant just by looking at me (my friends at ns could tell right away from my swollen, tired, "glowing" face lol :chuckle)

....but will they be mad i didn't tell them sooner?

i'm going to be having the baby at the hospital i'll be working at...

you may need a ppd.. my hospital states they have to have one unless your most recent has been done in the last 3 months. in my opinion, be up front about it. us federal law states that pregnancy cannot be considered a pre-existing condition. but, they could make you have a waiting period for coverage of the pregnancy, especially if you are without insurance prior to getting insurance with your new hospital. you should check into the laws and/or just call the hr dept and ask them. that is their job. good luck and congratuations! children are truley a gift from god!:redpinkhe

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us federal law states that pregnancy cannot be considered a pre-existing condition.

this is not true.

the us law states that if the pregnancy is already covered, a health insurance company cannot refuse to insure the newborn.

the same states that if you have prior insurance coverage and do not have a lapse, that the insurance company must cover you...but they do not have to cover you at the same rate as a non-pregnant applicant.

however, if you do not have prior insurance coverage, and you sign up to a new company, they will not cover the pregnancy and birth, but will be required to cover the neonate.

how do i know this?

i was at a new job when my twins were born and had over $180k medical bills hanging over my head...the physician had to certify how early my twins were because the insurance company was threatening to not pay for any of my hospital stay if my pregnancy was prior to my coverage date.

it wasn't a fly-by-night insurance company, and i had bc/bs...i had the highest tier that was offered, which covered everything 100% with no-copay if i stayed in-network, which i did.

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Specializes in neurology.

Right now I'm covered under DH's insurance... I think in NY state where I live pregnancy can't be considered a pre-existing condition...

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Right now I'm covered under DH's insurance... I think in NY state where I live pregnancy can't be considered a pre-existing condition...

I'm glad...very glad to hear that. Some states do have those exemptions.

I'm glad NY is one of them.

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Specializes in Tele.
By the time I start orientation, I will be in my 4th month and I may even have a bit of a baby bump :redpinkhe

I have my physical in a few days though... should I not say anything? I shouldn't need a new PPD or any vaccines b/c I have all that documented from nursing school...

I have a feeling people are going to know I'm pregnant just by looking at me (my friends at NS could tell right away from my swollen, tired, "glowing" face LOL :chuckle)

....but will they be mad I didn't tell them sooner?

I'm going to be having the baby at the hospital I'll be working at...

You don't have to tell them right away.

and since you are married you probably have your insurance with DH right?

so you are covered.

they won't cover you under their insurance (new job)

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