Pregnant and Job Interview

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2011

OR is a hard specialty to get into. I know you want to be honest, but disclosing your pregnancy might jeopardize your chances of getting this job. The problem is that you would be out for at least six weeks just one month after ending orientation. The good part is you would be off orientation, so it wouldn't be too hard for you to step back into the job.

You mentioned that you don't want to start off in an awkward situation. Unfortunately, I can't see a way to avoid an awkward situation (unless you turn down the job). Either you tell them you are pregnant before you interview (could be awkward because they might not want to hire you, but legally can't discriminate because of pregnancy). Or you tell them after you are hired (awkward because they might feel you were deceptive).

Look at it legally- you are not required to disclose a pregnancy, the hospital is not allowed to ask you about pregnancy or not hire you because of it. So not telling them about the pregnancy allows you go get the position based on your personality and merit. If they want to give you the job, it should be based on how well you fit the position, not your pregnancy.

Ashley

muffins20 · Apr 24, 2011

I actually just asked a career counselor about this situation the other day... the answer: Don't disclose the fact you're pregnant until you are offered the job. That way you can protect yourself from discrimination, AND you can help alleviate any of management's fears by promptly planning (preferably you should have plans in place at this point) what you plan to do when the time comes to take leave. Management is concerned about different things- how long you'll be gone, ordered bedrest if there's a complication and being short-staffed, and if you'll even return (some new mommies decide they want to stay at home), and what you'll do if the baby is sick- will you have a sitter?

They can't legally ask you if you're pregnant during an interview- so you don't need to tell them/disqualify yourself.

Best wishes.

ArkansasRunner · Apr 24, 2011

Plus, 8 weeks is really early. From the hospital's perspective you might not have even known you were pregnant when you interviewed, and only found out after you accepted the position.

DH.nurse · Apr 24, 2011

:dncgbby:

I started a new job shortly after becoming pregnant. I waited a few weeks and then I told the nurse manager who was surprisingly happy for me... or a good actress.

But, the executive manager (director of the entire Assisted Living facility) was not thrilled. I sent her a notecard and stated something like, I just wanted to let her know that I was aware that the timing wasn't perfect and I wasn't trying to be deceptive in not having said something sooner. But, I told her, that in my family, where miscarriages seem to be common, we do not announce we're pregnant until 3 months along. I had no problems or awkward moments after that.

And, as time passed I felt everyone, staff & residents, were excited for me. Prior to my maternity leave, they threw me a little baby shower - quite touching & unique as they held it in the dementia unit...

It will all work out. Like you said, it's life and it happens!

Best wishes

nursejoed · Apr 24, 2011

I am SO sick of the "it's illegal to discriminate" being used to justify doing a crummy thing to your department and co-workers.

1. It's a six month orientation; they're putting a lot of time and effort into training you, only to have you go out shortly thereafter.

2. They are really short-staffed; they need someone to work; not train and go on leave.

3. Many new mothers lie about their leaves. They know darned well they're not coming back, but want to use up any sick time and benefits for the leave. In the meanwhile, the position isn't posted, so management isn't looking to fill it.

If people didn't feel on some level that this was not the nicest thing to do, there wouldn't be a similar post on the issue every other day...

madwife2002, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2011

I am a nurse manager I would base my decision on whether you can do the job or not. A lot of my staff who are parents actually don't call off as much as the single ones! So I think it is down to the individual person and the interview.

Otessa, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2011

I am SO sick of the "it's illegal to discriminate" being used to justify doing a crummy thing to your department and co-workers.
1. It's a six month orientation; they're putting a lot of time and effort into training you, only to have you go out shortly thereafter.
2. They are really short-staffed; they need someone to work; not train and go on leave.
3. Many new mothers lie about their leaves. They know darned well they're not coming back, but want to use up any sick time and benefits for the leave. In the meanwhile, the position isn't posted, so management isn't looking to fill it.
If people didn't feel on some level that this was not the nicest thing to do, there wouldn't be a similar post on the issue every other day...

Most place do NOT offer paid maternity leave/sick time until you have been there for one year. You may take maternity leave but it won't be paid (been there-was flex pool without benefits for years). Came back for several more years before moving-not all moms decide to stay home due to financial reasons$$$.

Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN · Apr 24, 2011

I am SO sick of the "it's illegal to discriminate" being used to justify doing a crummy thing to your department and co-workers.
1. It's a six month orientation; they're putting a lot of time and effort into training you, only to have you go out shortly thereafter.
2. They are really short-staffed; they need someone to work; not train and go on leave.
3. Many new mothers lie about their leaves. They know darned well they're not coming back, but want to use up any sick time and benefits for the leave. In the meanwhile, the position isn't posted, so management isn't looking to fill it.
If people didn't feel on some level that this was not the nicest thing to do, there wouldn't be a similar post on the issue every other day...

It is "illegal to discriminate" and I think its an legitimate argument. As some employers discriminate for many reasons because they are human. She doesnt have to say shes pregnant because she doesnt feel it will affect her job performance at this time.

Many new mothers lie about their leave? Really? Ive been pregnant twice during my career and have always returned to the job, the 2nd time I had only been there the length of my pregnancy and returned immediatly after 8 weeks, I was given a different position because full-time was no longer available - BUT I accepted it. And the manager may fill the position, if she is still under "probation" time, this depends on the facility.

People are just asking advice when this question comes up - WHICH they have the right to do. You dont have to like it and you dont have to respond everytime either. Guess what, its because we all have "CHOICES" - part of life.

nursejoed · Apr 24, 2011

It is "illegal to discriminate" and I think its an legitimate argument. As some employers discriminate for many reasons because they are human. She doesnt have to say shes pregnant because she doesnt feel it will affect her job performance at this time.
Many new mothers lie about their leave? Really? Ive been pregnant twice during my career and have always returned to the job, the 2nd time I had only been there the length of my pregnancy and returned immediatly after 8 weeks, I was given a different position because full-time was no longer available - BUT I accepted it. And the manager may fill the position, if she is still under "probation" time, this depends on the facility.
People are just asking advice when this question comes up - WHICH they have the right to do. You dont have to like it and you dont have to respond everytime either. Guess what, its because we all have "CHOICES" - part of life.

-I acknowledge that it's illegal to discriminate and not hire a pregnant women. I also didn't say that people shouldn't post this question, I wrote that obviously people feel that it's not the nicest thing to do to an employer or there wouldn't be so many posts about this situation.

-" She doesnt have to say shes pregnant because she doesnt feel it will affect her job performance at this time"

No. It will only affect her performance after orientation is over, and they're counting on her for staffing...

srn0408 · Apr 24, 2011

Thanks for the advice and feedback. Its amazing how as women, we need to think really hard about the politics of having children and advancing in our careers; though I know its not the 'ideal' situation for me to accept and enter a new job position- I have to keep telling myself, I"m probably not the first nurse to do this.

As someone posted earlier, the manager will just be concerned with filling the position, temporarily, full-time, whatever- so if its not me who does this, someone else will leave/retire/go on sick leave, etc. Legally my job should be there when I return from mat leave.

One of my friends gave me some good advice and said, this is all business- people get hired, fired, have to leave for extenuating circumstances, whatever... her advice was, interview, if I get it then great- maybe then I should disclose my pregnancy to establish honesty from the get go.

Just wanted to hear the thoughts of what others are thinking, I"m assuming that may be the reaction from my co-workers.