Pregnant new grad

Hi all,

This is more of a logistical question. I was hired on as a new grad (no residency program) on Friday. I'm 16 weeks pregnant-- due 9/9, with a 7/13 start date. I didn't want to tell them I'm pregnant until everything was lined up, but I would like to tell them now (I'm not trying to trick anyone- I just didn't want it to be a factor in my hiring decision, which is legally appropriate).

Now that I want to disclose- who do I call? My first thought was the nurse recruiter I worked with that is my point of contact, but I was wondering if I should go to HR first? Or the nurse manager directly?

Again, this is a great ICU float position at a hospital I'm very excited about, so I just want to start off on the best foot possible, knowing the timing isn't ideal (I'm a second degree student and we have had a hard time conceiving, so we pretty much welcomed the news at any time).

Thanks!!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I think I would tell your nurse manager as it will have the most impact on her and your unit. Congratulations on the baby!

[EDNURSE20, BSN]

You may need to cut your loses. By the time you finish orientation, you will be due to take maternity leave. With the current state of the health system, working while pregnant doesn’t seem smart, you wouldn’t want to put your baby at risk!

Possibly they could let you start later, or maybe you will have to wait to after you've had your baby to start looking again. In the mean time you could look for something temporary like giving vaccinations ect.

[Delia37, MSN]

You were hired for float pool in ICU, as a new grad, at a hospital that does not provide new grad residency?? Is this in the US??

….I second the above post, contact your manager and pray they defer having you on the floor until this crisis is over.

[emilyrose114]

Sorry, so you guys are all saying to contact the manager directly, right? Or the recruiter first?

[Nunya, BSN]

5 hours ago, emilyrose114 said:

Sorry, so you guys are all saying to contact the manager directly, right? Or the recruiter first?

Manager.

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

7 hours ago, Delia37 said:

You were hired for float pool in ICU, as a new grad, at a hospital that does not provide new grad residency?? Is this in the US??

….I second the above post, contact your manager and pray they defer having you on the floor until this crisis is over.

I read this and thought it was very concerning

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

10 hours ago, Delia37 said:

You were hired for float pool in ICU, as a new grad, at a hospital that does not provide new grad residency?? Is this in the US??

….I second the above post, contact your manager and pray they defer having you on the floor until this crisis is over.

Yes this is so concerning on so many levels and has nothing to do with the pregnancy or coronavirus.

[emilyrose114]

It's just not a residency program (no EBP project), they certainly have a new grad tailored orientation lasting 6 months with a mentor. The reason the no residency matters here is there are not constraints on starting timeframe like many residency programs have.

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

Still, a new grad float position is very iffy, regardless of orientation

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

2 minutes ago, Hoosier_RN said:

Still, a new grad float position is very iffy, regardless of orientation

A new grad float position is extremely iffy. A new grad ICU position is extremely iffy. A new grad ICU float position?! Unsafe.

[LauRN3367, MSN, NP]

I would absolutely let your new manager know about your pregnancy. CONGRATS!

Though I did not do it, I think new grad to ICU is manageable. As a new grad, you are very malleable. It is all about your preceptors and how well they are able to teach, as well as how well you are able to learn! 6 months sounds like plenty of time, and you are NEVER alone in the ICU. Good luck. I hope you can still be brought on despite leaving for a bit in September!