Pregnant 18weeks,want to transfer to ICU

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Hi all, I have been wanting to transfer to CVICU for about 2+ years. The manager for the CVICU wanted me to get some cardiac/tele experience at a cardiac step-down before reapplying. Here I am in August, worked at a cardiac step-down for almost 1 year and ready to transfer. However, I am 18 weeks pregnant due 12/25/16 (Christmas baby!).

The current floor that I am on now does not know that I am pregnant either. I have not called out sick, taking assignments as usual.

Should I start approaching the manager of CVICU regarding my interest to transfer and go ahead and interview? Orientation is about 3 months. I do qualify for FMLA as I've been with the hospital system a year. And if I do get an interview, should I disclose the status of my pregnancy? Or should I wait till March 2017 (post maternity leave) to make the move? I have been waiting for an opportunity for 2+ years. There are a few positions open there right now. I am afraid that I will miss out on another opportunity again once all the positions are filled.

Thank you for all your advice.

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I would advise approaching the hiring manager and telling her that you believe that you are both ready and anticipate a possible extended leave around December, whether you disclose your pregnancy or not is up to you but I would recommend it.

Taking the initiative to approach her and lay it out for her will help show her that you are confident and professional.

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Hi all, I have been wanting to transfer to CVICU for about 2+ years. The manager for the CVICU wanted me to get some cardiac/tele experience at a cardiac step-down before reapplying. Here I am in August, worked at a cardiac step-down for almost 1 year and ready to transfer. However, I am 18 weeks pregnant due 12/25/16 (Christmas baby!).

The current floor that I am on now does not know that I am pregnant either. I have not called out sick, taking assignments as usual.

Should I start approaching the manager of CVICU regarding my interest to transfer and go ahead and interview? Orientation is about 3 months. I do qualify for FMLA as I've been with the hospital system a year. And if I do get an interview, should I disclose the status of my pregnancy? Or should I wait till March 2017 (post maternity leave) to make the move? I have been waiting for an opportunity for 2+ years. There are a few positions open there right now. I am afraid that I will miss out on another opportunity again once all the positions are filled.

Thank you for all your advice.

Your pregnancy is PHI. Continue with YOUR career goals.

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

Please apply as your pregnancy should not hinder you in any way unless it is a high risk pregnancy requiring you to be off work!

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In my institution a change in position starts the fmla clock again. I agree be open with the new manager and ask when it would be a good time to transfer, If it was me it would be after the baby.

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Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

I always advise to look out for your own interests. With that in mind, consider how having several weeks (or months if you are lucky!) will affect your ability to successfully transition to your new ICU position.

I've seen nurses transfer in pregnant (to NICU) and then take leave just as they get off orientation. It seems to put them at a huge disadvantage when they get back.

Just keep that in mind.

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In my institution a change in position starts the fmla clock again. I agree be open with the new manager and ask when it would be a good time to transfer If it was me it would be after the baby.[/quote']

I'm no FMLA expert but I don't think it's legal to restart the clock for a change in position. There may be some exceptions, perhaps if changing from hourly to salary for instance, but I believe that it's generally illegal to do that as long as you remain with the same employer.

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