Pregnant and Working First RN Job

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Hello all,

I am currently 6 months pregnant and working my first RN job. I was very fortunate in finding this job as I was hired almost immediately after getting my license. During the hiring process, I was not aware that I was pregnant until I started orientation. Now I am still in the probationary period and my work schedule is really tough.

There were two nights that I had to call out sick because I was really sick and my manager talked to me. She stated that if this continues and I am unable to fulfill my duties then I would have to consider some other options such as resignation from the unit.

What upset me even more was her bringing up that it was not OK for me to take off during orientation even though I was hit by a car and could not walk, let alone push the COW to take care of patients. I had doctors notes for all of this.

Now my OB would like me to slow down since I have a high-risk pregnancy and there are potential complications where they need to keep a closer eye on me. I'm worried about showing the doctors notes to the manager and to management ensuring that my work schedule would be more spaced out and to have two days off for special testing.

Does anyone have any ideas of how to approach this? Can my employer just fire me? My probationary period won't end until January... I don't want to lose this job... I've worked almost 5 months now and I like the people that I work with. I know it's really tough finding a job out there...

Thanks in advance!

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I am sure this is not what you want to hear.... Nothing and I say nothing, is worth the stress on you and your baby. This beautiful time with your pregnancy to newborn to toddler to etc... will be over in a blink of an eye. You can always get a different job, but you cannot take back the passing years of your child. If your workplace is not supportive of your decisions, then let it go. What are they going to do when you have a sick baby who only wants mommy? Take it from a mother of 5 children, it's not worth it. You have a lifetime of nursing ahead of you and such a short time with your baby. Good luck!

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I agree with the PP, you need to focus on yourself & your baby. I was working at a new job as well when I found out I was pregnant. Thankfully I had a really great boss who was supportive of my pregnancy & everything that goes along with it. I called in A LOT due to the morning sickness & complications of my epilepsy.

Obviously because my pregnancy was high risk too, I ended up resigning from the job. My boss didn't want me too but I knew I had to do what was best for me & my baby. It was the best decision I made because the the rest of my pregnancy wasn't any easier.

I also have put school on hold (I'm an LVN). But I know my son is my #1 priority right now. He's already 2 months old & I'm thankful I don't have to work & can go to school later.

So of you can, take time off from work especially if you're high risk. There will always be another job.

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Thank you both for your advice. I'm discussing all of my options with my husband. I have considered resigning but I was hoping that would be a last resort.

Does it look better to resign from the position that I haven't worked in for six months yet or to continue working until they fire me "due to my attendance"? I know that technically they can't fire me for being pregnant but I get a feeling that they might use this reason to let me go despite having doctors notes.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Yes, it would look better to resign. You want to stay on their books as "rehirable" and saying "I resigned under MD advice due to pregnancy complications" in future job interviews will float much better than "I was fired because I was calling in sick due to pregnancy complications". I think resigning is the right thing to do, both for you and for your employer. Congratulations on your pregnancy!

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Specializes in retired LTC.

PP not.done.yet had a really good approach/response to use. Says it all very well.

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Thank you everyone for your advice. It is very much appreciated ☺️

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