Work Dilemna ?

[luvnmy2bys]

I am having a very hard time making a decision about a work transfer/promotion.
Here is my current situation. I am a staff nurse/ occasional charge nurse in my workplace. I work at a large metro hospital in the operating room. I commute from a suburb (about 35 miles away) . A new hospital(owned by same hospital group as my current hospital) is opening 2 miles from my house. It opens its door on Oct. 1. Since the annoucement of the building of the new hospital it has been known by my boss that I wanted to transfer. I have also been unofficially been groomed by my current boss to transfer over as the clinical nurse manager. I had an excellant interview with the Chief nursing officer in March, who called me later to let me know that my transfer was guarenteed at a minimum as a staff nurse but that as soon as the director of surgical services was hired she would be speaking to him about my placement as a manager.

Fast forward to last month. I unexpectantly found myself pregnant. This was unplanned (not unwelcome). I am older and have 2 teenagers. However we are happy and will welcome the new one with open arms.

So my meeting with the surgical director is tomorrow. I am expecting to be offered the nurse manager position.

Here is my dilemna. I feel morally obligated to inform him of my pregnancy. I feel he needs to know that I will be out for 12 weeks about 3 months after we open. I also think that if he feels this will be a big problem for the hospital, that I am willing to either not transfer at this time or perhaps just take a regular staff position.

This new position would be a huge financial gain for my family (about 23% increase). It would also be a huge professional step. My best friend thinks I should not disclose my pregnancy because they should not discriminate against me based on pregnancy. I don't necessarily feel this way. If I were to be a liability based on my absence for 12 weeks, I would feel terrible.

I also want to start out on a good note with the director. I am really leaning towards disclosing my pregnancy tomorrow and letting him decide if he still wants me either as a staff nurse or as nurse manager.


What are your feelings on this. Would really like all opinions either for or against disclosing my pregnancy.

Thanks to all who made it this far. Sorry so long.
Chris

 

[Disney Doll]

I would discuss it. And here's why. Because when you announce it or it becomes evident at a later date, the boss is going to count back and think "She knew when we interviewed and didn't tell us". And then he/she will think you are sneaky.

My boss has hired visibly pregnant women who swore they'd come back post-baby and every one of them did. I would say though, that you might want to consider the staff position because it might give you a little more flexibility than management with a new baby, maybe????

 

[lila]

I would NOT disclose it.

 

[HighClass]

Tell them

But-are you an "older Mom"? Maybe you might want more time when the baby is born to stay home?

 

[diznygirl]

Do they know where you currently work? If so, then the new place probably already knows.

Stress where you want you want to be in a year/five years at the new job and downplay, not hide, the family.

Good luck!

 

[DebbieB]

I would tell them, that way it's not hanging over your head that you didn't disclose it and worrying about it. I've always found it's best to be honest and take it from there.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I would be thinking very hard about whether I wanted to deal with the stressors of a new managerial position while having/enjoying a new baby. Won't the staff nurse hours suit you better with a new baby (ie more flexibility; perhaps fewer days per week)?

 

[npmommie]

I would be thinking very hard about whether I wanted to deal with the stressors of a new managerial position while having/enjoying a new baby. Won't the staff nurse hours suit you better with a new baby (ie more flexibility; perhaps fewer days per week)?

I agree with Pea........I would rethink the management position and go for the staff position.

 

[kellyg403]

I always believe honesty is the very best policy. At some point you may have complications that require them to make accomodations or like you mentioned taking several weeks after the baby is due to stay home etc. All of those things need to be taken in to account from a business standpoint. If they know this upfront they can make better decisions how to handle things since it will be a few months in the making.

I also agree that possibly the management position may not be best at this point but you never know. They may feel that are right for the job and will be willing to make any concessions needed to keep you in that job. Either way you decide to go I still think it is best to let them know what is going on.

Much luck to you and congratulations!

Kelly

 

[golfgal]

I would not disclose it. First, it is illegal to make hiring decisions based on pregnancy. Second, what if, God forbid, something happened in your pregnancy and you didn't take maternity leave yet you passed up the promotion. Third, yes, they MIGHT open on time, but what if there is a building delay of some kind and they don't open until after you would have had your maternity leave?

I would go through the process, after you are hired and well into your pregnancy discuss the situation with your boss. Would you be willing to be available by phone for the transition, etc.

 

[Normangirls]

I work in H.R., and you may think I would say you should tell them, but I don't think you should. Yet.

Go through the interviewing/hiring process. When they make you an offer (either as a staff nurse or as a manager), tell them, "Before I accept your offer, I have some personal news I need to share with you."

(Just F.Y.I.: If they rescind their offer, it is illegal.)

Then go on, "I really want this new opportunity. It is a great move for me professionally. However, ultimately I want what is best for this hospital. Can we talk about what is best for you and me both?"

If they lay it on the line and tell you how hard a 12-week leave would be for them to work with, you can back off and tell them you'll stay where you are for now, and hope for an opportunity at the new facility after the baby is born. Maybe they can just move you then. Or they may say no problem, we'll work around it.

Good luck either way!

 

[kidzmom3]

I work in H.R., and you may think I would say you should tell them, but I don't think you should. Yet.

Go through the interviewing/hiring process. When they make you an offer (either as a staff nurse or as a manager), tell them, "Before I accept your offer, I have some personal news I need to share with you."

(Just F.Y.I.: If they rescind their offer, it is illegal.)

Then go on, "I really want this new opportunity. It is a great move for me professionally. However, ultimately I want what is best for this hospital. Can we talk about what is best for you and me both?"

If they lay it on the line and tell you how hard a 12-week leave would be for them to work with, you can back off and tell them you'll stay where you are for now, and hope for an opportunity at the new facility after the baby is born. Maybe they can just move you then. Or they may say no problem, we'll work around it.

Good luck either way!

great advice