VSRN

Teresa, I opted not to disclose my pregnancy and was not showing. I learned that they couldn't ask by law and I knew that it would not affect my ability to be a great OB nurse. As I know now, a prospective hiree's private business is entirely that, and an employer absolutely cannot ask about it. It was the right decision for me at that time. And even though couldn't not hire me for being preg, they could have chosen someone else! Besides, I knew that I would have to return rather quickly back to work (one of the reasons breastfeeding was harder, I didn't have a lot of time to establish a good supply.) I really would recommend days or eves. Sleeping during the day is hard enough, much less with the natural interruptions of a pregnancy (i.e. waking up to pee every hour!!). I too had great pregnancies. Found my FHTs for the first time at work. Being on my feet was tough, but conditioned me for L&D. Patients and co-workers were terrific. Do what you feel is best for you. Esp with revealing a pregnancy to your prospective employer. Just remember the law says you do not have to tell. You will make the right choice. And don't fret too much about all this, you never know what God has in store for you!! You will do fine. Vicki

I cannot think of a better place than PP to begin your nursing career if you are planning a pregnancy. L&D would be pretty harrowing though. My first child was concieved in nursing school and I began my career 6 months preg working nights - post partum. Took 5 weeks off and then returned. I loved the information I got about L&D, nursery and even high risk warning signs. But.... would I reccomend it, no, not really. Breast feeding and night shift is tremendously hard, even with double pumps. Too tiring. Then I got pregnant with my 2nd son working 12 nights (amazing since I can't think of anything that decreases a sex drive more than working nights and 12 hr shifts with a toddler at home!). Anyway I was so exhaused I don't even remember most of that time of my life. (I was young too, 23-25). Can you do it? Sure you can! Would I wait? Absolutely!! Get used to working, then plan your pregnancy. Both of these life events are stressful enough. And priorities change immensly when you add a baby. VS

As a nurse you will never wipe yourself out of the market. But truthfully you will lose some hospital and agency marketability after 5 years or so away from hopital nursing. You must trust that you are making the best decision for yourself at this time in your life. I don't think I have forgotten any of my skills, but, I know I would have to start from the beginning to regain my IV skills and pumps and such. Now, you will gain so many other skills! My horizons expanded immeasuably once I stepped out of the hospital. It amazes me how far our education can take us. And the bedside is always there.......

How sad is it that we equate real nursing with bedside? Where is it that we think we must work in a hospital on a busy Med/surg floor to be considered a real nurse? As a profession we have such depth of talent and intelligence. That, my friends, is what makes a real nurse!! I am proud of my ob background, just as I hope those in psych, peds, public health (ect.) are. We are all REAL nurses, some of us just choose to work away from the bedside. Like Stargazer says, we need all of us and we all represent nursing.

PhantomRN, I left hospital nursing over 10 years ago and have done clinical and public health. Do I miss bedside? Nope. I actually am mostly a stay at home nurse/mom. It is the best job I have ever had, but, money is very tight right now. Would I return to the hospital? Not unless I have to. I work in a peds office (4 whole hours a week, oh my) to get my hands-on fix and teach in schools occassionally. Nursing is terrific, there is so much we can do with our expertise! And just like our profession, there are many different kinds of us to go around. People actually told me I would be bored at home raising three kids-get real!! I love being the one to drive my kids to school, volunteering in the schools and being the one who gets to see my 4year old's face light up when I go get him. Nursing will always be there, the kids wont. I am very blessed to have that option. And yes, I did mourn the loss of a terrific job to stay home, but, I have no real regrets. I don't suspect you will either.......VS