Soon to be RN dilemma. Advice please :)

Leahgrace0518 · January 2014

Hello all! I am 27 and just about to complete an RN program in May. My Husband is well established in his career , and we are financially stable. We own our own home, have great credit, etc... We have been together for over 6 years and married for almost a year. I eagerly want to start TTC and my Husband was on board until I started to tell him horror stories of new grad RNs not being hired due to pregnancy. Which let me tell you that made me sort of also get cold feet. I've worked so hard to be where I'm (almost) at career wise. I do not want to risk not being employed due to pregnancy. On the other hand, I really can not wait to start a family! I know I will love being a MOM and can't wait to experience pregnancy (weird-I know). Also in the dilemma is that I am a carrier of Hemophila ( a bleeding disorder that is only passed to males from the females X chromosome 1/4 chance each pregnancy). I worry that when I do deliver and have a boy( possible hemophiliac) it may be an overload of stress dealing with a new career/ tending to a new baby. Like everyone always says there is no "right" time. I just wish I could find some words of guidance or advice on this issue. Thank you all.

Jags8 · January 2014

Would you be able to afford a baby without you working? I would get established in your career as an RN first. But that's just me.

TikiTurtle · January 2014

Ditto to Jags8.

Getting a nursing job straight out of school can be tough, so I'd wait if I were you. Find a job, then find out how long you have to be there before you qualify for leave/STD etc. Hopefully it'll only be the difference of a few months, but that will make your lives much easier than getting pregnant first, checking options later.

SmileyJay · January 2014

For starters - it is not at all weird to be excited to experience pregnancy... I think the vast majority of women are?

I have two RNs in my immediate family so I know a little bit about the coursework. The last semester is usually clinicals and advanced coursework, right? This would probably be the least favorable time to have morning sickness, extreme fatigue, and other pregnancy symptoms. Not everyone experiences these but I think I would try to avoid it during your last semester so you can stay on track. You can always power through, but it wouldn't be the ideal scenario.

It's illegal for an employer to not hire you because you are pregnant or fire you if you get pregnant, but they do it all the time and use other reasons. There are a lot of negatives to an employer in hiring someone who is pregnant, and I can't think of any positives. The cards are stacked against you if you are obviously showing... which you would be if you conceived now and were in interviews in June. Depending where you are, nursing jobs are probably pretty competitive. Where I live at least 100 RNs graduate each year from the local college but there are not that many jobs at all. It is a good stable job, but it's not a piece of cake to find a job if you are stuck on a specific location or if you are not top of your class. Rather you should ttc now is up to you and your husband.

I think ttc now and being pregnant while looking for a job is totally doable, but it is more difficult than the alternative of finishing your last semester not pregnant (with energy, the help of caffeine, and no nausea) and securing a job before moving on to have children. Just make sure you have good insurance coverage through your husband's job if you decide now it the time. It sounds to me like both you and your husband know right now is really not the best time but it's hard to accept because you want a child so badly. I think you can make it work either way, but I hope this helps a little.

Good luck!!

Leahgrace0518 · January 2014

Thank you all I appreciate all of the honest responses. You are all right. I've waited this long for a baby, why not 1 or 2 years more to get my career established. As the saying goes "The best things come to those who wait."

SmileyJay · January 2014

Just popping in again - I don't think it even has to be 2 years. Work really hard to get a good job out of school in May. Find out the benefits package and wait for everything to kick in before ttc. You could easily be ttc by the fall. This would make you in your job over a year at the time of delivery and taking time off and give you time to prove yourself as a great employee before needing to take a few weeks off.

I'm not sure which field of nursing you are planning to work in but you should consider that when looking at jobs. You are going to want something with predictable hours and a more relaxed environment, probably not the ER. Just one consideration.

Meery82 · January 2014

I'm a RN and nursing school was a bitch. I suggest finishing school, get yourself a job and get comfortable with it. You will learn A LOT in your first few months of working and you owe it to yourself to make that your main focus. Then you can think about starting to TTC. Also, and someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you have to be working somewhere for at least a year before you qualify for maternity leave.

bugandbibs · January 2014

I'm a BSN, and I would wait until you finish school and get hired before ttc. The last year of clinicals is tough and exhausting.

Keep in mind you have to work a minimum of 1250(?) hours in the prior year in order to qualify for FMLA. A new employer may not grant you leave to have the baby or approve time off for doctor's appointments. Get hired, find out when you qualify for what (at my job there is a minimum hours requirement or you have to pay for your health insurance while on leave) and then decide when to ttc.

CassieD44 · January 2014

ER RN here. Ditto all the PPs who say to wait. In many areas, the new grad market is super tough, and you don't want them to have any reason not to choose you. Just putting off TTC a few more months will allow you to secure a job and benefits if you need them. And don't rule out any units based on being a "relaxed" environment or not - I'm definitely not relaxed when I'm in traumas and codes all day, but I love it. Couldn't imagine working on the floor - but I have the utmost respect for floor nurses and guarantee you their jobs are not "relaxing" either. Good luck, you'll do great!

SmileyJay · January 2014

Didn't mean to sound like there are nursing jobs that are "relaxing"... I'm not a nurse but have two RNs in the family and one Medical Assistant. All in different work environments. One RN is a charge nurse in the ER working crazy hours. One RN is in a nursing home caring for daily care of residents. The MA works in a regular clinic/doctors office. The three environments are so completely different for them. The nursing home and ER have rotating shifts and they frequently work overnight. The MA works 8-5 Monday thru Friday. The nursing home and doctor's office are way more laid back than the ER and I can not fathom my SIL, the ER nurse, doing what she does while pregnant. It would probably be doable, but it would be very difficult.

Just saying to consider this when looking for a job if you know having kids is something you want sooner than later.

CassieD44 · January 2014

I have plenty of coworkers who do our job while pregnant. In fact, I believe no fewer than 6 had babies in the last 3 months and I can think of another 5 who are due in the spring/summer (we are a busy trauma center with a lot of - apparently very fertile! - staff). It is definitely doable. My coworkers and I love what we do. We love the pace, we love the acuity, we love the challenge. I don't know what areas of nursing OP is interested in, but I do hope that she doesn't feel she shouldn't go for a potentially stressful area if that's what excites her based on the thought that it may be tough IF she does in fact become pregnant anytime soon.

Wine&Cupcakes · January 2014

I'm also a BSN...my $0.2:

Most job markets are really difficult to break into, and in my area (Northeast) many nurses can't land jobs for MONTHS. That being said, personally for me, I wouldn't want to limit myself further by being pregnant.

Also, the culture of nursing is also an important consideration, and this differs by unit and facility - many nurses I know are more than happy to help pick up the slack (literally) for nurses who can no longer lift, treat certain infections, give chemo, etc, however, for a new nurse who hasn't yet established herself on the floor, some can get resentful and downright catty. It may be beneficial to land a job and spend some time earning your stripes before becoming pregnant, but again, this isn't the same on all units.

Also, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, nursing is very physically, emotionally and mentally draining and demanding. It may be better to get some experience to help you get through the first several chaotic months before you add another stressor (even a happy stressor) to your life, especially given the physicality of it as most nursing jobs are demanding - even my home care job.

Edited to add: I love my job and love the demanding nature of it, just wanted to give you some things to think about!

Wine&Cupcakes · January 2014

Double Post. Sorry.

WhiskyandWhiskers · January 2014

I'm a BSN with less than 5 years experience. Nursing is tough on the floor. The nurses that are pregnant when hired tend to get catty responses from their coworkers (not all, but in my experience). Also, the first few months as a new grad is a fresh hell. You'll learn things that you've never heard of in school (or in a book), all while trying not to make a mistake that could take a life. Sounds grim, but that's the reality.

I'm putting off TTC until I find a non-bedside nursing position. Those are even tougher to find

OP, are you in a AD or BS program? It will make a difference in getting a job.

Meery82 · January 2014

Wine&Cupcakes said:

I'm also a BSN...my $0.2:

Most job markets are really difficult to break into, and in my area (Northeast) many nurses can't land jobs for MONTHS. That being said, personally for me, I wouldn't want to limit myself further by being pregnant.

Also, the culture of nursing is also an important consideration, and this differs by unit and facility - many nurses I know are more than happy to help pick up the slack (literally) for nurses who can no longer lift, treat certain infections, give chemo, etc, however, for a new nurse who hasn't yet established herself on the floor, some can get resentful and downright catty. It may be beneficial to land a job and spend some time earning your stripes before becoming pregnant, but again, this isn't the same on all units.

Also, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, nursing is very physically, emotionally and mentally draining and demanding. It may be better to get some experience to help you get through the first several chaotic months before you add another stressor (even a happy stressor) to your life, especially given the physicality of it as most nursing jobs are demanding - even my home care job.

Edited to add: I love my job and love the demanding nature of it, just wanted to give you some things to think about!

Well said. All very true.

I can't believe how long it can take to secure a job these days! I accepted a position 3 months before graduation and most people in my class did so even earlier than me. I guess that was almost 8 years ago though.

Wine&Cupcakes · January 2014

Meery82 said:

Wine&Cupcakes said:

I'm also a BSN...my $0.2:

Most job markets are really difficult to break into, and in my area (Northeast) many nurses can't land jobs for MONTHS. That being said, personally for me, I wouldn't want to limit myself further by being pregnant.

Also, the culture of nursing is also an important consideration, and this differs by unit and facility - many nurses I know are more than happy to help pick up the slack (literally) for nurses who can no longer lift, treat certain infections, give chemo, etc, however, for a new nurse who hasn't yet established herself on the floor, some can get resentful and downright catty. It may be beneficial to land a job and spend some time earning your stripes before becoming pregnant, but again, this isn't the same on all units.

Also, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, nursing is very physically, emotionally and mentally draining and demanding. It may be better to get some experience to help you get through the first several chaotic months before you add another stressor (even a happy stressor) to your life, especially given the physicality of it as most nursing jobs are demanding - even my home care job.

Edited to add: I love my job and love the demanding nature of it, just wanted to give you some things to think about!

Well said. All very true.

I can't believe how long it can take to secure a job these days! I accepted a position 3 months before graduation and most people in my class did so even earlier than me. I guess that was almost 8 years ago though.

I kick myself for not getting my RN my first time in college, as everyone I graduated with in 2005 had the exact same experience as you. Then the market changed so drastically. I live in a major city that has an insane amount of hospitals, but also pumps out nurses.

I was lucky that I had a connection and was able to secure a job immediately upon passing the NCLEX but a majority of the people I graduated with still can't find a hospital position. However, I got my ADN because it was cheaper, and then did an online program for my BSN which helps. Around here an ADN is almost useless. Magnet status is everywhere, even the community hospitals.

I'm headed to NP school (hopefully) in the fall. It was something I had planned to do, but then, while lifting a patient one day, I ruptured my L5. It was not awesome. Painful as hell, lost muscle function in my left leg, and still have numbness along my S1 dematome 2 years later. Oh, and 6 months off work. I am so limited in my prospects now I figured becoming and APN, especially before maybe adding in the DNP requirement would be smart for me.

Ah, nursing. It will kill your spirit and physical abilities but we keep going back for more!

Meery82 · January 2014

Wine&Cupcakes said:

Meery82 said:

Wine&Cupcakes said:

I'm also a BSN...my $0.2:

Most job markets are really difficult to break into, and in my area (Northeast) many nurses can't land jobs for MONTHS. That being said, personally for me, I wouldn't want to limit myself further by being pregnant.

Also, the culture of nursing is also an important consideration, and this differs by unit and facility - many nurses I know are more than happy to help pick up the slack (literally) for nurses who can no longer lift, treat certain infections, give chemo, etc, however, for a new nurse who hasn't yet established herself on the floor, some can get resentful and downright catty. It may be beneficial to land a job and spend some time earning your stripes before becoming pregnant, but again, this isn't the same on all units.

Also, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, nursing is very physically, emotionally and mentally draining and demanding. It may be better to get some experience to help you get through the first several chaotic months before you add another stressor (even a happy stressor) to your life, especially given the physicality of it as most nursing jobs are demanding - even my home care job.

Edited to add: I love my job and love the demanding nature of it, just wanted to give you some things to think about!

Well said. All very true.

I can't believe how long it can take to secure a job these days! I accepted a position 3 months before graduation and most people in my class did so even earlier than me. I guess that was almost 8 years ago though.

I kick myself for not getting my RN my first time in college, as everyone I graduated with in 2005 had the exact same experience as you. Then the market changed so drastically. I live in a major city that has an insane amount of hospitals, but also pumps out nurses.

I was lucky that I had a connection and was able to secure a job immediately upon passing the NCLEX but a majority of the people I graduated with still can't find a hospital position. However, I got my ADN because it was cheaper, and then did an online program for my BSN which helps. Around here an ADN is almost useless. Magnet status is everywhere, even the community hospitals.

I'm headed to NP school (hopefully) in the fall. It was something I had planned to do, but then, while lifting a patient one day, I ruptured my L5. It was not awesome. Painful as hell, lost muscle function in my left leg, and still have numbness along my S1 dematome 2 years later. Oh, and 6 months off work. I am so limited in my prospects now I figured becoming and APN, especially before maybe adding in the DNP requirement would be smart for me.

Ah, nursing. It will kill your spirit and physical abilities but we keep going back for more!

Oh, I hear ya! I got my BSN from the beginning and I'm so glad I did because like you said, everyone wants BSN or higher, it seems. The hospital I work for is magnet and they really push ADNs to get their BSN. I keep waffling over whether or not go get my NP. I just don't think the pay in my area makes it worth the time and student loan debt. That really sucks about your back. Hopefully it all works out. I actually just got home from work. It was definitely a spirit-killing kind of day. I had a patient who OD'd on several hundred Tylenol, Motrin PM, and Advil. Her daughter died a few years ago and she just can't handle it. Then she's told that she has destroyed her liver and will need a transplant to live. I had several hospice patients who were going downhill fast. I also heard that a 36 year old woman died in the maternity ward today. She developed an amniotic fluid embolism. They coded her for 2 hours. Apparently baby is doing okay and is in the NICU. So, so sad.

Wine&Cupcakes · January 2014

Meery82 said:

Wine&Cupcakes said:

Meery82 said:

Wine&Cupcakes said:

I'm also a BSN...my $0.2:

Most job markets are really difficult to break into, and in my area (Northeast) many nurses can't land jobs for MONTHS. That being said, personally for me, I wouldn't want to limit myself further by being pregnant.

Also, the culture of nursing is also an important consideration, and this differs by unit and facility - many nurses I know are more than happy to help pick up the slack (literally) for nurses who can no longer lift, treat certain infections, give chemo, etc, however, for a new nurse who hasn't yet established herself on the floor, some can get resentful and downright catty. It may be beneficial to land a job and spend some time earning your stripes before becoming pregnant, but again, this isn't the same on all units.

Also, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, nursing is very physically, emotionally and mentally draining and demanding. It may be better to get some experience to help you get through the first several chaotic months before you add another stressor (even a happy stressor) to your life, especially given the physicality of it as most nursing jobs are demanding - even my home care job.

Edited to add: I love my job and love the demanding nature of it, just wanted to give you some things to think about!

Well said. All very true.

I can't believe how long it can take to secure a job these days! I accepted a position 3 months before graduation and most people in my class did so even earlier than me. I guess that was almost 8 years ago though.

I kick myself for not getting my RN my first time in college, as everyone I graduated with in 2005 had the exact same experience as you. Then the market changed so drastically. I live in a major city that has an insane amount of hospitals, but also pumps out nurses.

I was lucky that I had a connection and was able to secure a job immediately upon passing the NCLEX but a majority of the people I graduated with still can't find a hospital position. However, I got my ADN because it was cheaper, and then did an online program for my BSN which helps. Around here an ADN is almost useless. Magnet status is everywhere, even the community hospitals.

I'm headed to NP school (hopefully) in the fall. It was something I had planned to do, but then, while lifting a patient one day, I ruptured my L5. It was not awesome. Painful as hell, lost muscle function in my left leg, and still have numbness along my S1 dematome 2 years later. Oh, and 6 months off work. I am so limited in my prospects now I figured becoming and APN, especially before maybe adding in the DNP requirement would be smart for me.

Ah, nursing. It will kill your spirit and physical abilities but we keep going back for more!

Oh, I hear ya! I got my BSN from the beginning and I'm so glad I did because like you said, everyone wants BSN or higher, it seems. The hospital I work for is magnet and they really push ADNs to get their BSN. I keep waffling over whether or not go get my NP. I just don't think the pay in my area makes it worth the time and student loan debt. That really sucks about your back. Hopefully it all works out. I actually just got home from work. It was definitely a spirit-killing kind of day. I had a patient who OD'd on several hundred Tylenol, Motrin PM, and Advil. Her daughter died a few years ago and she just can't handle it. Then she's told that she has destroyed her liver and will need a transplant to live. I had several hospice patients who were going downhill fast. I also heard that a 36 year old woman died in the maternity ward today. She developed an amniotic fluid embolism. They coded her for 2 hours. Apparently baby is doing okay and is in the NICU. So, so sad.

Crazy. A hospital in my state lost two mother's during delivery and postpartum within two weeks and it has made national news. Guess I will avoid that hospital when my time comes. How awful though, that poor family. Whats the protocol on transplant for an attempted suicide patient? I know that alcoholics and addicts can't get on the list, wondered if it was similar for an untreated psych issue?

Meery82 · January 2014

Wine&Cupcakes said:

Meery82 said:

Wine&Cupcakes said:

Meery82 said:

Wine&Cupcakes said:

I'm also a BSN...my $0.2:

Most job markets are really difficult to break into, and in my area (Northeast) many nurses can't land jobs for MONTHS. That being said, personally for me, I wouldn't want to limit myself further by being pregnant.

Also, the culture of nursing is also an important consideration, and this differs by unit and facility - many nurses I know are more than happy to help pick up the slack (literally) for nurses who can no longer lift, treat certain infections, give chemo, etc, however, for a new nurse who hasn't yet established herself on the floor, some can get resentful and downright catty. It may be beneficial to land a job and spend some time earning your stripes before becoming pregnant, but again, this isn't the same on all units.

Also, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you this, nursing is very physically, emotionally and mentally draining and demanding. It may be better to get some experience to help you get through the first several chaotic months before you add another stressor (even a happy stressor) to your life, especially given the physicality of it as most nursing jobs are demanding - even my home care job.

Edited to add: I love my job and love the demanding nature of it, just wanted to give you some things to think about!

Well said. All very true.

I can't believe how long it can take to secure a job these days! I accepted a position 3 months before graduation and most people in my class did so even earlier than me. I guess that was almost 8 years ago though.

I kick myself for not getting my RN my first time in college, as everyone I graduated with in 2005 had the exact same experience as you. Then the market changed so drastically. I live in a major city that has an insane amount of hospitals, but also pumps out nurses.

I was lucky that I had a connection and was able to secure a job immediately upon passing the NCLEX but a majority of the people I graduated with still can't find a hospital position. However, I got my ADN because it was cheaper, and then did an online program for my BSN which helps. Around here an ADN is almost useless. Magnet status is everywhere, even the community hospitals.

I'm headed to NP school (hopefully) in the fall. It was something I had planned to do, but then, while lifting a patient one day, I ruptured my L5. It was not awesome. Painful as hell, lost muscle function in my left leg, and still have numbness along my S1 dematome 2 years later. Oh, and 6 months off work. I am so limited in my prospects now I figured becoming and APN, especially before maybe adding in the DNP requirement would be smart for me.

Ah, nursing. It will kill your spirit and physical abilities but we keep going back for more!

Oh, I hear ya! I got my BSN from the beginning and I'm so glad I did because like you said, everyone wants BSN or higher, it seems. The hospital I work for is magnet and they really push ADNs to get their BSN. I keep waffling over whether or not go get my NP. I just don't think the pay in my area makes it worth the time and student loan debt. That really sucks about your back. Hopefully it all works out. I actually just got home from work. It was definitely a spirit-killing kind of day. I had a patient who OD'd on several hundred Tylenol, Motrin PM, and Advil. Her daughter died a few years ago and she just can't handle it. Then she's told that she has destroyed her liver and will need a transplant to live. I had several hospice patients who were going downhill fast. I also heard that a 36 year old woman died in the maternity ward today. She developed an amniotic fluid embolism. They coded her for 2 hours. Apparently baby is doing okay and is in the NICU. So, so sad.

Crazy. A hospital in my state lost two mother's during delivery and postpartum within two weeks and it has made national news. Guess I will avoid that hospital when my time comes. How awful though, that poor family. Whats the protocol on transplant for an attempted suicide patient? I know that alcoholics and addicts can't get on the list, wondered if it was similar for an untreated psych issue?

I'm not sure about that. I was wondering though. As far as I know, our hospital only does kidney transplants. There consulted a somewhat nearby major city hospital's transplant center. I gave them her information over the phone and they said they aren't sure if she would qualify for a transplant at that time. Since her INR was quickly rising, the hepatology Dr wanted her transferred to the ICU, which I did. A few hours later, when I was leaving for the night, I was talking to the girl who was her sitter (every suicide patient must have a 1:1 sitter) and she said that they were going to be transferring her to the transplant center that night. So it sounds like they are going to go through with it. I just can't imagine they would bump a suicidal patient to the top of the transplant list.

NickaDee07 · January 2014

Get established. if you're that close it really won't matter. Please trust us. I was only 20 when my 1st was born. Working a minimum wage job and it was HARD. I'm in a much better spot now and the difference is huge. I would never trade my daughter for the world but timing is very important... and a lot less stressful!

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Soon to be RN dilemma. Advice please :)

Re: Soon to be RN dilemma. Advice please :)

DX (me): Inborn error of metabolism - protein restriction, metabolic formula & weekly blood tests

DNA Results (7/1): DH is NOT a carrier for my genetic disorder!

7/3: Metabolic clinic gave the green light to TTC - holy crap!

DX (me): Inborn error of metabolism - protein restriction, metabolic formula & weekly blood tests

DNA Results (7/1): DH is NOT a carrier for my genetic disorder!

7/3: Metabolic clinic gave the green light to TTC - holy crap!

DX (me): Inborn error of metabolism - protein restriction, metabolic formula & weekly blood tests

DNA Results (7/1): DH is NOT a carrier for my genetic disorder!

7/3: Metabolic clinic gave the green light to TTC - holy crap!

DX (me): Inborn error of metabolism - protein restriction, metabolic formula & weekly blood tests

DNA Results (7/1): DH is NOT a carrier for my genetic disorder!

7/3: Metabolic clinic gave the green light to TTC - holy crap!

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