Pregnant new grad who is scared to look for a job!!

[KGUNIT]

Hi Everyone!

I'm having some doubts of whether I will get a nursing job in the future. I graduated in May 2008 and passed my NCLEX in the first try in September 2008. In October, I found out I was pregnant, and because of my history, I knew I had to get a cerclage and would have to be in bedrest for the remainder of my pregnancy. So that's what life is like now. Pregnant and jobless. It seems that every hospital in New York is in a hiring freeze, or looking for experienced nurses only.

Is it too late for me? I mean, as a new grad ... the earliest I can work is about a month 'til I give birth, which is in June 2009. Do you think that it is still possible for me to snag my first job even after a year from graduation? And even if I do, should I explain why I waited so long to work?? Any advice would be helpful.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

You'll still be able to get work - just get out there and submit resumes and applications when you are ready. In fact the hiring might get a bit more plentiful by then. Be honest when asked about the break between grad and job hunting. In the mean time - keep yourself sharp. Review your texts, re read your notes - keep your mind in it.

[KGUNIT]

You think so? My friends tell me not to sweat it because the hiring might go back up by that time. Then again, I'm scared to lose this knowledge. I guess I should read up and not waste time. I really want to work in adult critical care because I want to be a nurse anesthetist, but at this stage in the economy, I'd take what I can get!! Are you really a firefighter RN?? That's awesome!! I really admire that!

[carluvscats]

I don't think it will be too hard. Like firefightingRN said, just be honest. It's certainly understandable that you will have to take this time off. I wouldn't apologize for it! As I read this site and look for jobs on the internet, it seems that some hospitals are willing to give long orientations for new grads. I would just be very, very picky if I were you, and not jump at a job just because you need one. You worked really hard for your license, had to be delayed a bit, and will want to be particular about who trains you. In the meantime, take care of that baby and yourself!