A frank and realistic sharing of your life and experience, a good orientation to those who aspire to be Nightingales in this Great Country. You have discussed the pros and cons, challenges and benefits.
I think you gave a confusing statement here by saying there is no maternity leave here. Maternity leave is available depending on the benefit packet provided by the hospital. I know it is not called “Maternity leave “. You can take the paid time off and sick leave available . You’re right you won’t get 6 months but you can take up to 6 weeks paid or unpaid. some hospitals will let you take FMLA up to 1 year without termination. During FMLA you will have to pay a certain amount back to hospital to keep the benefits like health insurance. You can take the sick leave from 2 weeks before your expected date of delivery. Most nurses go to work until the last day so they can take the full 6 weeks off.