Pregnant nurse just graduated can't get hired anywhere!

[ashleyterri]

Hi,

Just wanted some opinions. I recently graduated nursing school in May but was pregnant at the time and due to the pregnancy (well the interviewers don't say this but it's what I believe) I can't get a job! So, I've given up for now on applying and will start again after I have her which is November. Do you think it will be hard for me to start as a new nurse 7 months after graduating? Also, will employers think I won't be as good of a nurse since I won't be starting work right out of school?

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

It is more about a lack of jobs for new grads than it is about your pregnancy. And yes, in most parts of the country a 7 months break will hurt your chances. However, baby is your first priority. Congrats!

[spiritual_RN]

Well it depends what you do between those seven months. You could start volunteering for American Red Cross or Medical Corps or CERT while you are waiting for job opportunities. You could take ACLS, BLS, PALS or IV certification. You could do a refresher for med-surge nursing or peds nursing. Do an externship from a nearest hospital in your town. Check BP of your neighborhoods for free. Just do something to boost your resume and still use some of your skills. It was very hard for me to work in an acute hospital because I did not work for a year and a half. So trust me on this. Get a job as soon as possible.

[sunmaidliz]

Don't worry about it, Hun. I was pregnant when I graduated, 36 weeks when I took boards and a week after I got my license I gave birth. I waited 3 months before I started job hunting. Waiting won't hurt you. It won't help you but it won't hurt you. Not in this climate. Skills can be learned and after stepping away and coming back, it's like riding a bike. Go volunteer while you are pregnant to pad your resume or get every certification in the book. If anyone presses you during an interview to explain the gap, you have the best, most reasonable excuse - I had a baby. No one will hold that against you. Trust me.

Finding a job as a new grad is hard and I bet if you weren't pregnant, you still would have a tougher time and probably still be unemployed 7 months out from graduation. Think about that. Don't stress that pregnancy is holding you back. Take your 7 months to pad your resume if you feel so inclined. It might actually work in your favor in the long run.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

It is illegal to discriminate against a woman in pregnancy. However, in a tight job market, they have a broad choice of equally qualified new grads.

Employers understand if you say you wanted to wait till after the baby is born before seeking employment. Just make sure you have a bulletproof childcare plan.

Good Luck

[armyinfantrywife]

I am in this situation right now... I graduated in May and got my license in June. I got a job right in the same month! However, with my husband being in the military, we unfortunately had to move 3months later. So now I'm in a new state looking for an opening! I already have my license endorsed. Unfortunately, I'm still a new grad in a new state plus now add pregnancy to the equation I managed to get an interview however on the day of my orientation I was informed not to bother coming in due to the fact that they don't want anybody with a "restriction". They didn't specifically say that it was due to my pregnancy (of course they're not gonna say its due to my pregnancy) but the dr who did my drug and physical placed a restriction on me it's so frustrating!!! I'm losing hope and self esteem.