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Well.. It's official. I am pregnant. Husband and I didn't change a thing, its a miracle (or fluke). It is crazy. I never, ever thought I would have a first reaction to pregnancy as "NO!!!!!!" I have spent the last 5 days fluctuating between crying and feeling like everything could be ruined: to extreme happiness that God has allowed me to get pregnant (I had 2 miscarriages prior to nursing school and was told I would have a hard time getting pregnant). I know that I am only 5 weeks and there is still a high chance of miscarriage and that thought alone terrifies me. I do NOT want to lose it... But I am feeling very overwhelmed. The roller coaster of pregnancy hormones? Perhaps. First time mommy worries. Probably.
I graduated from nursing school in May 2011 and I am starting my dream job in Labor and Delivery in an 18 week Versant training program on August 15. I will be only 7-8 weeks at the time.
I am so terrified that my Nurse Manager is going to be upset and maybe not give me a fair chance at this dream! I do not think I will tell her until I am at least 13 weeks (2nd Tri), as the miscarriage rate goes down then. I do want to be upfront and honest with her and I do NOT want her to find out from someone else. I am starting this career in a hospital where I actually know about 3 other nurses on the unit. Once I tell my friends and family, I am afraid she would find out through the grapevine. I would like to let her know that I plan to give this career my ALL and work as hard as ever to be a great Labor and Delivery Nurse. I am a current employee at this hospital and have been for 3 years as a medical transcriptionist as I went through nursing school; so I do not think she will fire me. Also, when the time comes, I have FMLA.
I am just worried about how she will react, as well as the other nurses on the unit, to finding out that the new nurse is preggers. I am afraid it will put me in a negative light and this career is so important to me.
I feel so stressed.
you have NO obligation to tell your manager. Don't tell those friends that work in that hospital either - wait until you're in the clear. No one's business, anyway. What is going on with your body is YOUR business, not anyone elses.
100% agree. If you are worried about your manager finding out through the grapevine, then don't openly share the news with those who might spill the beans prematurely. You have every right to tell your manager about your pregnancy-on your own terms.
good luck! I too start my dream L&D job on Aug. 15 and am a new mommy (had my son in January). I know how stressful it is to look for work while pregnant. I was one of those unlucky ones who was not hired until after I had my son, though in hindsight it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
and really...you have LOTS of time to get through most of/all of your orientation before you take leave. I wouldn't fret too much!
That's great news about your FMLA! It sounds like you are all set. I really don't think you're going to run into problems from your manager. If some of the staff nurses want to act like they're in 3rd grade, just ignore their comments and let it roll off your back. You're having a baby and that is so exciting! I think your enthusiasm, work ethic and commitment will be obvious to them and they will be glad you want to come back after having your baby!
she likely wont not qualify for the full 12 week FMLA. In order to qualify, you have to bank 1250 hours (basically full time) prior to taking leave. As it stands right now, she likely wont have enough time to bank those sorts of hours unless she pulls overtime!
I just wanted to clarify, just so the OP doesnt get her hopes up thinking she will get the full 12 weeks.
brandy1017, ASN, RN
2,910 Posts
There should be no problem from your manager. It is a common and even expected occurrence that their nurses get pregnant and your even working on a baby floor. That sounds wonderful!
I agree you should wait awhile before telling her or your friends and you have both a right to your privacy and understandable reason to not rush to announce the baby!
I pray your pregnancy goes smoothly and God blesses you with your first child! You've been working at the hospital all this time already just in another job so you shouldn't have any issues with FMLA or short term disability if your hospitals offers it.
Just think you'll be working with mom and baby as your own miracle unfolds. You are blessed!