Pregnant New Grad needs advice

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So need some help here..

.....graduated NS, waiting to take boards, landed a job, nights (I am less than thrilled about that, but it was all I could get). I still have my old job, a pool non nursing position at a local hospital. I haven't quit that one yet, I was thinking of keeping it "just in case" the RN position didn't work out or nights didn't treat me well, since I have never worked nights (again NOT looking forward to that:lol2: ). In true new grad fashion, I have been experiencing overwhemling anxiety r/t beginning my new career and switching to nights, and I know some of this is normal. Now today, found out I am PG, my first PG. I have benefits under my husband, I don't need to work full time for us to pay bills, so we could survive on my pool position. Also, my new job won't offer my maternity leave that soon so my job won't be secured if I decide to take time off. I just began general orientation last week and am scheduled for my first day on the unit next Wed, so total days employed is 4 so far.

So....what to do? I am already max stressed, not looking forward to a night position AND dealing with 1st tri probs. Also...need to focus on passing boards, so I'll have that stress too for now. Still have my other job, can work as many or as little hours as I want, when I want. I know as long as I pass NCLEX and get my license that I will be OK to postpone working as an RN till after the baby is born. Would that be bad? Would employers look down on me for that? I worry that I would lose all my knowlege.. But how horrible would it be to go to my manager in my new job and tell her about the PG, aplogize, and decline the position now? In my mind, better to be strait up and tell her before she begins orienting me than be secretive and misleading? I would want time off around when the baby comes and I won't have maternity leave yet... My fear is just that I'll begin working, have to quit my old job, be totally stressed, not be sleeping, and then get sick or have comps of PG, and have to take time off, etc.....should I just stay with my same old, same old for now?? If I am strait up with my manager, do you think I would be eligible for rehire? Seems like they would want me to quit sooner rather than later, right? I may be moving out of state within the next few years anyway so to be honest I don't even know if I need to keep that hospital as a future option..

There have been other threads about this exact situation but the others either had to work full time or did not have bennies. Not the case with me so your advice may be different.... Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated! (especially all you nurse managers..how would YOU feel?!);)

jo jo

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If you choose to give up the RN job, just be prepared to have to explain why you waited so long after graduation to get a position. Even though you would not qualify for FMLA with the nursing position, most employers would not give away your position if your time off is reasonable, like 3-4 months or less.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Call Center RN.

I think it depends on how many people at the new job, but FEMA should save your job. It does not guarantee paid time off, but I think it guarantees your job or one of equal standing will be waiting after 6 weeks. Check with your state. I became preggers my last semester of nursing school. It was very high risk. So when I was done with school I took off. A few employers asked why I did not get a job right out of school and some did not. I think your average Joe would want to take a break after hitting the books so hard for so long. But taking the time off allows you time to concentrate on studying for boards. Good luck, I'm sure you will make the decision that best suits your family.

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Specializes in nursery, L and D.
I think it depends on how many people at the new job, but FEMA should save your job. It does not guarantee paid time off, but I think it guarantees your job or one of equal standing will be waiting after 6 weeks. Check with your state. I became preggers my last semester of nursing school. It was very high risk. So when I was done with school I took off. A few employers asked why I did not get a job right out of school and some did not. I think your average Joe would want to take a break after hitting the books so hard for so long. But taking the time off allows you time to concentrate on studying for boards. Good luck, I'm sure you will make the decision that best suits your family.

FMLA, at least in my state, only goes into effect after 12 months of employment. At least I think this is what you are talking about.

If you want to wait until after the baby comes to get a job as a nurse, I don't think any employer would look upon that unfavorably. Pretty good reason to wait a while, I think. Good Luck with the baby and nursing.

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Specializes in cardiac/education.

I know my employer won't allow FMLA before 12 mos...

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Mine either.

I'd take the position, try it out, and once you have your baby, you can decide to continue on with the position or not. Think of how anxious you will be if you wait.

Congrats on your first pregnancy!

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Specializes in Ambulatory | Management | Informatics.

I was a pregnant new grad. I waited to start working until my dd was almost 2 to start working. It was difficult to find a job. I'm not sure if it was the area (there is NO nursing shortage here) or if it was the 'weirdness' surrounding my situation. I did find a job (actually one I was very disappointed in the idea of, but that has become my dream job, LOL!) but it took longer than I thought and I thought I was settling.

My only real advice is, if you decide not to start working, DO NOT DELAY your boards. Take them as you have already planned to take them. That was advice given to me and it served in me in good stead. It would have been very, very difficult to take my boards two years after graduation. Also, remember that if you DO pass your boards you will be held to the RN standard of care no matter where you work. A friend offered my a direct care job when I was looking for work last year, but the license risk would have been HUGE!

Good Luck!

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Specializes in Family Practice.

Life is too short to work nights and be pregnant! Throw in boards and you've got a break down in the making. It's just not worth it. Nurses are in high demand, so I don't think anyone is going to give you grief for waiting until later. The question is your own confidence. Find a low stress (I realize that's a relative term), part-time, day job in the nursing field if you think you need something sooner. There are so many possibilities other than hospital nursing that you can check out. Give yourself a chance to find the right fit. That baby deserves a mom who's awake for as much of life as possible.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Could you get a little orientation in before the babe and then go back afterwards casual pool 1-2 days/week? That way yuo'd make a little money and keep your foot in the door. Would that be enough money for you?

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Specializes in Cardiology.

i think you should at least give the nursing job a try. more money and the experience that you need. And in my opinion, nights are sooooo much better than days. they are, for the most part, much calmer than day shift. minimal doctors, families, and tests going on. you get to actually spend time with your pt and learn about them. days were very stressful to me, not to mention less pay. i'm going to be a night nurse until i retire ;-)

i gave birth to my second son during my last semester of nursing school. i started a nursing job as soon as i graduated. nights have worked well for me. i say at least give it a try. it may turn out that you love nights too!

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Specializes in Cardiology.

I want to add one more thing. I think if you don't use your newly acquired skills soon, that it may prove more stressful for you when you come back to nursing later. Good luck to you in whatever you decide.

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I agree please take those boards right away. It will be one weight off of you and boost your confidence. Also, I don't think any of us werent a little afraid of walking the walk, but when you are a new grad they know that, and they, your new job, has a check list usually and you willl follow someone or at least have someone oversee you for a while. Dont be afraid to ask for help and blow off those grumpy nurses who should have retired years ago. lol. you might think of talking to your new boss and leave out the baby part for now. Just let them know your situation has changed and need partime instead of fulltime. Morning sicknes is gonna set in soon. Get your feet wet. I reallly think using your skills now is so important. YOU ARE A NURSE. There are other jobs find one on days if possible. You will be a wreck trying to switch to nights. I want the best for that tiny miracle and you. Don't settle. I say a quick prayer for you. smiles04

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