Major stress + so many big changes

lsomensky · March 2016

Hi all! Brand new here

I need some advice/room to vent my current stresses. I am 24 and just found out I am 7 weeks preggo. Husband is over the moon with excitement and I am dealing with some panic/fear right now. Which is totally funny because I have been dreaming about this moment since we got married yet I'm the one freaking out haha. But with good reason though. I just graduated Nursing School 2 weeks ago and have been offered a new grad job. It would start in two weeks. It's a pretty aggressive 13 week program (that is if I even pass my state boards next week! ah!). And here's the catch...it's night shift. So initiate panic. This pregnancy was not planned so I had assumed I would be able to work as a nurse for about a year or two before I had to worry about this. I have felt like crap everyday this week and I'm scared I won't do well with these new changes. And on top of that, I just signed a 2 year contract with my employer a few days ago. Do I tell them I am pregnant now or will they pass up my spot in the program because of it? I don't want to offend them by keeping it from them but I also don't want to miss this opportunity. Also, any new moms who work night shift have some insight? For some reason I just imagine this shift being so difficult with a newborn and a husband who works days. Also, (and this might sound strange) did anyone else feel like they didn't 100% accept that they were pregnant until the first doc appt? Mine is this upcoming Monday and for some reason I just can't get it out of my head that this whole thing could potentially not be real. Even though I took two home pregnancy tests and am experiencing all the signs and symptoms. Am I weird for being sooo skeptical? Agh I don't know what's wrong with me. It's like I have this crazy idea that I will show up Monday and the doc will say I'm not pregnant and everything was just a mishap. Haha. Crazy right? Maybe I just need some other mamas support to calm me down haha. I know I am probably overreacting, thanks hormones. But could use some words of advice from others. Thanks everyone! Excited to be part of this community with amazing people

GinnyJ2012 · March 2016

My first baby was not planned, and I was on the pill. It was hard to believe that I was pregnant until my OB did an utrasound and we saw baby, and then a week later MS kicked in. I had just started a new job and wasn't going to tell them until I was 12 weeks or so, but told them early because I kept throwing up at work. (The boss wanted me to go home so no one caught my stomach bug.).

As for working nights, I have a friend who is a L&D nurse on the night shift and pregnant with her third. She's making it work, but I know some days are harder than others.

Unless you're going to be working with something that could be hazardous to your pregnancy, I don't think you need to tell them right away. Tell them when you're ready.

PugsandKisses · March 2016

1) Congrats on finishing nursing school m remember, nursing school is HARDER than your NCLEX. If you can pass school you can pass that stupid test.
2) you can totally do nights while pregnant and with a baby. I know many nurses that have and do both, on purpose.
3) your new grad program sounds typical. It sets up for for success. So if you don't do it now and by them, you would still need it later.
4) by law, you are not legally obligated to tell them about your pregnancy. Ever. Trust me, you aren't the first new grad that is knocked up, or even new hirer. You won't be eligible for FMLA, but many health system will have no issue holding your job. That new grad is $$$$, they want their money's worth.
As long as you aren't dealing with certain pregnancy No-Nos: active Chemo, active Radiation, certain infections, Xrays in the room (6 plus feet away, even when not pregnant ), and handling certain meds, you are ok. Now the smells that nurses deal with suck, and even more so when pregnant (looking at you C-Diff and Lower GI bleed), and 12 hours can be rough, it is a totally awesome job. Nursing, as a whole, is very family friends and very flexible.

Welcome to the best and craziest career little sister. Take life by its horns and enjoy the ride.
*Charge Nurse, 2 kids, pregnant with 3rd, currently MSN student for FNP.

emilie250 · March 2016

I can't really provide any advice on your work-related issues because I don't know anyone in your situation, but I just wanted to say congratulations on graduating, being offered the grad job, and signing the contract! Those are huge accomplishments! And, of course, to say congrats on the pregnancy! I think it's quite common to feel anxiety and have some mixed-feelings in pregnancy - many of my friends have said the same.

You've worked so hard to get where you are, you must have it in you to successfully achieve these other goals! I'm sure you and your husband will have to make some adjustments, but I think it's doable.

Good luck to you!

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