“I’m Pregnant”: How to tell your Graduate Nurse Manager
Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS!
This should be the exact response you get from your NUM!
The reality is, this should not be an issue, however, it pays to be prepared for all possible outcomes and I hope this blog helps you with this.
As a NUM who has had many of these conversations and helped new graduates land their dream job, to then find out they are pregnant - I am confident this will help!
While you may feel nervous about telling your employer that you're pregnant during a graduate program, it's important to do so to ensure that you and baby are safe primarily and that you receive the appropriate support and accommodations.
Here are some tips on how to approach this conversation:
Plan ahead & Pick a Date: Before telling your employer that you're pregnant, make sure you have a plan in place. Think about if/how your pregnancy will impact your job duties, and consider what accommodations you may need. This will help you feel more confident and prepared during the conversation. Discuss all of this with your specialist taking into account your own needs.
Choose the right time and place Timing is everything when it comes to this conversation for both yourself and your health as well as fitting it into your managers schedule. Schedule a private meeting with your manager, even consider sending an email ahead of time to inform them more about the meeting, so they aren’t caught off guard. Find a time when you won't be interrupted or rushed. This will give you the opportunity to discuss your pregnancy in a thorough manner.
Remember your NUM is human. 99.9% of people won’t care and they will be so thrilled for you! Your mind may run some stories about worst-case scenarios and whilst we never know until we announce the big news, it isn’t worth worrying about these situations. there’s literally nothing that can be done, so be proud and go all in! If your NUM is a bit weird about it, that’s their problem. 😊
Request accommodations If you need accommodations during your pregnancy, such as extra breaks or a modified work schedule, be sure to request them during this conversation. Your employer is legally required to provide reasonable accommodations, so don't hesitate to ask for what you need.
Follow up in writing and negotiate a plan. After the conversation, it's a good idea to follow up in writing to confirm the details of your discussion. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your needs are being met.
By approaching the conversation with professionalism and honesty, you can let your employer know that you're pregnant during a graduate program in a way that sets you up for success.
Remember, you have legal rights and protections during your pregnancy, so don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and your baby.
All the best!
Take Care and Congrats once again!
About the author.
Liam is an ex-Nurse Unit Manager, who has sat on graduate nurse panels across Australia and knows what panels are looking for! My vision is to make sure NO graduate nurse is without a job in 2023!
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