Should I apply for a job at this time?

[DoubleblessedRN, ADN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-P]

I am a paramedic and I will probably be taking the CPNE through Excelsior College sometime this fall. I have never worked in the hospital, only in the ambulance. I would like to apply for a job at a hospital as an ER tech to learn how to handle multiple patients, multi-tasking, and learning the hospital way of doing things. However, my Dr has given me the option of a hysterectomy, which I want because I'm frequently in pain.

If I'm interviewed, should I mention this to the interviewer? If so, at what point? If I accepted a position, do some employers allow a new employee to start at a later date? As you all know, I'd be off for about 6 weeks.

Or should I wait until after the surgery to look for a job? I know I need to take care of myself first, and I want this done ASAP. Then again, one hospital that I am very interested in doesn't have a very high turnover in technicians and open positions are hard to come by. Any suggestions?

[TazziRN, RN]

Call the manager of the ER you're interested in and ask her what you should do. Explain the situation and ask if she'd be willing to interview you knowing you can't start until 6 weeks post-op.

[TrudyRN]

Do you have insurance now?

[DoubleblessedRN, ADN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-P]

Yes, I receive benefits through my husband. I only work contingent because of my twin toddlers and my studies.

[Mudwoman]

Most employers want you to qualify for Family Medical Leave Act to take off for such a long time. This requires on average that you have worked for a full year.

You will probably feel so much better after having this surgery. Six weeks flies by.

I recommend the surgery tomorrow and after about 4 weeks, then start applying for jobs. Then you can say that you will be released to go back to work "next week" or whatever.

You will have plenty of exposure to the way hospitals do things before the fall.