Pregnant and interview for OR tomorrow... HELP ME!

[rn2bn07, BSN, RN]

Hi OR nurses, I am in dyer need or some advice. I have just found out that I am pregnant nad I have a job in the OR tomorrow. This couldn't have come at a better time. I am however, excited this is my second and last child, my son is 12 years old and my husband and I have been planning this. I currently work in the ICU but within six months of working there I decided that it just wasn't a good fit for me so I decided to apply to the OR because I always loved surgery, blood, adrenaline rush and I loved the C-Section I witnessed in nursing school and that was when I knew I would eventualy find my place in the OR. Now I am in my first trimester, orientation is almost 5-6 months long M-F, which I don't mind, but I would only have 3 months after orientation on my own before the baby is born. Should I take this job if offered to me? Should I let the manager know in my interview about my pregnancy or wait until I get the job?, I don't want to miss this opportunity, but I also don't want to waste nobody's time either. Please help with advice, Thanks

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

It would probably be best to be upfront with them, regarding risks to the baby. On orientation, you will most likely go through all specialties. Bone cement used in joint replacements and some spinal surgeries can cause birth defects. Also, there is exposure to x-rays.

Depending on the department, they may be willing to work with you or ask you to wait until after you deliver. Where I work, we start an orientation class every three to four months. Where you are applying may have a similar setup.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

First of all let me say congrats on your pregnancy. I would go to the interview and act normal. Pregnancy is a normal event. If you get the position, I would tell the management on a need to know manner. Don't let your emotions to cloud a professional situation. And best of luck.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Alex, I have to respectfully disagree with you. My opinion is that especially in the OR, pregnancy is a need-to-know issue, more so than on other units. I view it as a safety issue for the baby. The policy where I work is that as soon as a woman knows she is pregnant, she must tell her supervisor, who is responsible for notifying the person monitoring radiation exposure. She is not obligated to tell anyone else, and still works in ORs with x-ray but is not allowed in any room where cement is used.

Rn2bn07, it also takes time to feel comfortable, and most people agree that it takes at least a year if not more. You may be doing yourself a disservice by interrupting that year for 6-12 weeks. Use it or lose it, as they say. You may find it more difficult to get back into the routine that quickly after being on your own for such a short time.

I don't say any of this to discourage you, I think it's great you're interested in the OR. I'm just saying that it may be a good idea to think about your plans and what may be in your best interest as far as feeling comfortable and not getting frustrated to the point of burn out.

[rn2bn07, BSN, RN]

Thank you for your advice. I am taking everything under consideration right now. I was worried about the radiation exposure from xrays and the learning curve I will have to conquer. I am still confused, but I will go on the interview and see what happens. Thank you for the suggestions.

[Talia_vde]

Hi there,

I was in a similar situation a year ago. I interviewed and was hired then I gave my old job 2 weeks notice. In that 2 weeks I became pregnant. I then panicked thinking how horrible it was to start this brand new job and how dissapointed they would be. I started and told the clinical educator. She just had me stand in the sub-sterile rooms during induction and I stayed out of pedi cases or any other cases that would be hazardous. It really wanst a problem at all. I work with 2 other pregnant women that wear wrap around lead during xrays. all 3 of us have perfectly healthy babies. It doesnt take long for gossip to fly in an OR and people to catch on that your pregnant. just tell the manager after your hired and explain how badly you want to work in the OR. I work with a girl that had no OR experience and she started when she was early in her pregnancy. Don't let your pregnancy get in the way!

[summerhill]

Hi rn2bn07,

I just discovered your thread that you have posted & I find myself in a similar case as you. I was recently offered an interview for OR training program & I have one scheduled next week. However, I am not pregnant now, but I would like to start a family about 1 year into the training. I am contemplating on telling them up front in the interview about our family plan, but i also don't want to miss an exciting opportunity if I get selected. So, I was curious how did you handled the situation & did you get hired?

Thanks!!

[melisgood]

Hey, congrats! I just found out this morning that I am also pregnant! I am in a very similar situation. I am a new grad and am going to start the 5 month new grad program in a couple weeks. I am worried about when to tell them and who to tell and how maternity leave works. Good luck!