7 wks pregnant, offered 36 hr night position

BobcatRN · Apr 6, 2011

I worked nights in l & d while pregnant with my last child. It was not bad at all. She was, by far, my best sleeper, lol. If it is your dream job, do it! You may not get the opportunity again and then you'll kick yourself.

mama_d, BSN, RN · Apr 6, 2011

I managed to work nights, 4 12s a week, while taking 14 credit hours when I was pregnant with our youngest. Not the most ideal situation in the world, but I somehow made it work! I also had an 8 year old of my own and two step-kids who were with us every weekend and Wednesday, and hubby was working day shift.

I worked up until a week before delivery, by which time I was already dilated @ 1 cm and 50% effaced and having consistent but irregular contractions. My charge nurses told me flat out that we worked tele and they weren't birthin' no babies, otherwise I'd have held out a few more days. I was big as a house too...I'm only 5' 3" and DS was over 8 1/2 lbs, plus I must've had about nine gallons of fluid in there.

optimist · Apr 7, 2011

Since all the other posters were so positive I had to be the one negative comment. I was in the same position, found out I was 7 weeks on day 4 of orientation for 36hr nights in medsurg. It was okay at first but once I got into the second trimester I was having a hard time sleeping. Youre already fighting against the rest of the noisy bright world trying to sleep all day.It never failed as soon as I could get to sleep, either I had to get up to pee or got a kick to the ribs and couldnt get comfortable again. And oh the back pain of working on your feet. At least in medsurg at night I had the occasion to sit down but L&D seems like it would be an around the clock hustle some nights. If its your dream job, go for it!!, its only a few months of suffering and then you get to come back to where you want to be.

rn4life2009 · Apr 7, 2011

I would definitely get short term disability insurance in case you have any complications. I was doing med surg(eve) and started pre term labor(never happen in the other 2 pregnancy) and was put on 6 weeks bed rest before he was born which used up my pto and was a strain financially. It would give your the peace of mind to do what was best for the baby.

JStollRN · Apr 7, 2011

I am also 7 weeks pregnant and currently work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights on a med-surg oncology floor. You can do it! Stay hydrated and try to eat a snack every once in a while. I actually find I am less nauseous at work, oddly enough!

Katie5 · Apr 7, 2011

hi everyone! i started about 3 months ago in an outpatient rn job. i came from inpatient medical. i was recently offered to interview at my dream job - labor and delivery. the hitch is that i am 7 weeks pregnant and the position is 36 hour nights! has anyone worked nights while pregnant? what was it like for you? did you regret it? the thing is, i plan to cut down to 24 hour nights after the baby is born so it seems like it is a discomfort that may be worth it if i am eventually able to work 2 days a week.
whatcha think?

It's a temporary condition not an illness:). Except there are doctor's orders or other risk factors, you should be fine:)

rkitty198, BSN, RN · Apr 8, 2011

You are pregnant not disabled. If it is your dream job take it! Besides once you have the position, if you pregancy related complications you have protection under FMLA.[/quote
I had a baby 7 months ago and being pregnant is a disability according to Washington state. When I went to apply at work for maternity leave, it is called pregnant disability leave, they consider us disabled!
After having this baby I wish I had worked more overtime while pregnant. I couldn't imagine working overtime now, not sleeping at night anyhow.
I say go for it! I work days and our night shifter just had her baby. She said it was much easier working nights because it wasn't nearly as crazy as compared to days and she was able to rest more.