when should i start working

Ruby Vee, BSN · Feb 21, 2011

in this economy, you start work when you can find a job. good luck!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2011

I agree with Ruby. The economic climate in this country is brutal at the present time, and many new grad nurses in many regions have been unable to secure employment.

It's not about when you should start working. It's about when you can actually find a job. I would take my chances and start looking for work now.

xluescluesx · Feb 21, 2011

Get a job now and get paid on your maternity leave!! Congrats : )

Mandychelle79, ASN, RN · Feb 21, 2011

I know that pregnancy is one of those things that they can not ask you in a job interview, however if I was the one hiring and had 2 applicants with the same qualifications and could tell 1 was pregnant and 1 was not, I would hire the one that was not. Where I work it takes about 2-4 weeks between the time the interview happens and the hire date. Then there is a 6 week orientation, that would put you at the 33-36 week mark, if you interviewed today.

I was laid off at 23 weeks when I was pregnant with DD. I waited until she was born before applying for jobs because I personally did not think it was fair for someone to hire me, train me for 6 weeks or so and then I would have to leave to have the baby. I would not have been covered by FMLA so they could replace me and most places that give maternity leave would not give it to someone who has only been there a few months.

pinkynbd99 · Feb 21, 2011

That's kinda the same boat Im in now. And I was thinking the same thing you were but really, Mandychelle79's comment is VERY true! It's just not gonna look good to go through that situation and perhaps have a your manager not like you for putting the unit through that either. It would have to be a very nice and understanding manager to be ok with it. But remember, how much longer would you be able to hide the belly from employers, esp during an interview?

Im applying now but for the new nurse internships for Sept where I'd already had the baby and can start working. Goodluck though! I know I'll need it!

LDRNMOMMY, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2011

in this economy, you start work when you can find a job. good luck!

true! i have been searching since nov. i have interviewed for one job, received 3 thanks, but no thanks emails and have heard nothing on about 8 other jobs. i am not a new grad. best of luck to you in your job search.

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2011

Im 18 weeks pregnant and don't feel much more tired than usual. its true during the first trimester it was a little rougher but i would look for a job now. as for being hungry? I snack at work...but i do that pregnant or not. Good luck

The other thing to think about is you won't qualify for fmla, most still give you 6 weeks but you would probably be expected to be back at that time. hang in there.

ItsTheDude · Feb 21, 2011

in this economy, you start work when you can find a job. good luck!

that's pretty much it.

rkitty198, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2011

Unless you have been at work for 1 year you cannot get FMLA- so if you have trouble during your pregnancy like I did mine (PIH at 7 months pregnant) you won't be guaranteed your job back.

I would wait. I am so happy for you, I am so happy with my LO! He is 5 months old now and my entire life!

I would wait because I felt so good at 25 weeks pregnant. I am really healthy and when I had to quit working at 8 months it was awful. Luckily I had been at my place of employement for a year by then so I was able to file for FLMA.

Where I live (In WA) I got 6 weeks of disability to be home with my LO (as they consider having a baby as a disability) then my employer gave me 6 extra weeks if I wanted it.

I was so lucky for that FMLA in this economy.

The stress of starting a new job, especially the immense stress of being a new nurse is just awful. I would wait. I would get through your pregnancy (with as little stress as possible) have your bundle of joy and then get to it. Sleep as much as you can, enjoy your time off, sleep some more (I am jealous). Take this time and get over the stress of school and enjoy your pregnancy. Trust me you will wish you had listened to my advice after that baby is born! :)

Good luck!

pajoopie1 · Feb 22, 2011

I agree with those who said to work.

rkitty198, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2011

FYI if you are not tired now during your pregnancy YOU WILL BE!

Up all night urinating and trying to get comfortable in your last trimester would tire anyone out. So if you feel great now enjoy, because it gets harder. Not to say it is miserable, even with my pregnancy problems, but it is awfully hard to get up and get ready for work with 20lbs on your tummy and trying to just bend over to put your shoes on is hard- let alone help a patient get up out of bed post-op!

I agree with the other poster, that you would be about 30 weeks or more pregnant when you finally get started. You dont want to put that kind of stress on yourself. My CNA's were my blessings because they were so helpful in not letting me do too much such as lifting and such- When I got back from maternity leave, they recieved some special treats from me thats for sure!

Remember in a nursing job if you are unable to do what you were hired to do (say you have medical restrictions- no lifting over say 20lbs) then you can get terminated- even in my job with protection from the union. You cant do your job, well then take FMLA or get a new job.