Pregnant and job interview. Opinions?

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2011

What kind of a job is it? If it is a position that is easily replaced like a Wal-Mart worker or bank teller, then just don't mention the pregnancy during the interview.

If it's a job that requires special training (I'm assuming nursing, since this is a nursing site) then, personally, I think if you are not coming back to work after the baby is born you should not interview for the job. Once you go through the hiring process and start working you will be 4-4.5 months pregnant. If your training is three months than you will be 7.5 months when you complete orientation. Which means that you will only be able to give this facility maybe one month of actual work, during which your duties will be limited due to restrictions in lifting and caring for infected patients. God forbid if there are complications that require bed rest, you may not even complete orientation. It really looks like you are trying to take advantage of the employer and, on good conscience, I could not take a position knowing that I planned on leaving in less than six months. Your other option is to be upfront in the interview about being pregnant and not returning after the birth. Let the employer make the call.

colleennurse, ASN, RN · Aug 9, 2011

I have to agree with Ashley. Why would you take a job for 6 months anyway? Not trying to be snotty- just wondering. In addition to what Ashley said, if you are talking about a nursing position- it costs an employer thousands of dollars to train someone. I would be very upfront about your situation. Good luck to you!

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 9, 2011

If you're just looking for medical info re: working while pregnant (your info doesn't mention what type of nursing/nursing school/CNA work you do IF you do this type of work), you really need to talk to your doc.

If you're just going to work for 5 1/2 months, and not go back, I surely wouldn't tell them you're not going back to work- why hire someone for a couple of months- it costs a lot to orient someone.

If you want to know about working and being pregnant- that's something between you and your doc :)

Congratulations

cherryblossom88 · Aug 9, 2011

It is for a medical clinic on a military base

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2011

why bother for that amount of time? why not get a prn job?

roser13, ASN, RN · Aug 9, 2011

I think that this is the type of situation that leads employers to be reluctant to hire new grads. A willingness to be oriented ($$) with no intention of working more than 1-2 months for the employer?? Very unfair to the employer.

allnurses Guide · Aug 9, 2011

I think, frankly, it is unethical in this situation to accept the position if you have no intention of returning after the birth. Find a PRN job and let the permanent position go to another who needs it.

churchsgirl · Aug 9, 2011

I would just like to add that if you do not plan on returning to work, why interview? You are potentially taking a job from someone else that might need it with the terrible economy and unemployment rates...

jthomasua · Aug 9, 2011

Hi, When I was pregnant I HAD TO WORK because my husband was laid off from his job. I was in the same situation, not showing yet, but I wasn't sure if I would return to work or not. I went on 8 interviews and informed all of them of my pregnancy on the second interview... not surprisingly I never got the job. Until my 9th interview when I didn't tell them employer I was pregnant and I was offered the job. Hmmm. coincedence? I think not. If you want a job don't tell them you are pregnant. It may not be the most honest thing to do, but is it honest to discriminate against a person for a temporary medical condition?

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 9, 2011

I have a job interview coming up soon. I really want this job. I am 3 1/2 months pregnant. I won't be using the insurance and I don't plan on returning to work after the baby is born. Do I tell them in the interview that I am pregnant? I am not showing yet...Have gotten mixed opinions from my family so I decided to post it on here.

You are a new LPN, right? You have said that you have no intention of returning to work after the baby.......I am curious, why would you let the clinic spend all that time, money and energy on you when you have NO intention of paying them back by staying to work?

I really feel that's really inconsiderate and unprofessional for you to stiff the employer like that. I know you want to work, like everybody else, but it really isn't fair to decieve the clinic that you really are right for the job you have NO intention of keeping and make go through this whole process again in 6 months. Less if you have complications and end up not being able to work. It really isn't fair to the employer or you co-workers. If you have no intentions of keeping this job, Why do you want it so badly? just curious.

I think if you really want this job and you may want it per-diem after the baby is born........tell them you are pregnant. If it prompts the question.....do you plan to work after the baby's born......you need to be honest and tell them now that you have no intention of returning after the baby or that you would want to do per-diem.

just my :twocents:......

Not to tell them now, then stiff them later is really bad manners, unethical and professional. But you have to do what's good for you and your family.

ghostchili · Aug 9, 2011

i don't think that being pregnant is a "temporary medical condition" when she doesn't plan on returning to work. as far as the employer is concerned, that would be permanent.