[militaryspouse98]

Hello ladies. This is my first post. I am going to apply to an ADN program in May for the fall. I have always wanted to go into L&D. I have two friends that are nurses and keep saying I wouldnt like it. They didnt like it. The patients all screaming and yelling at them. I guess they did their clinicals there. Also, What is the difference in job responsibility from a ADN or BSN in L&D?

Thanks
Amy

[SmilingBluEyes]

Hello there and welcome to the OB/GYN forums!!!

I am an ADN who has worked in L/D for 8 years now, and I love it. Do NOT listen to naysayers when it comes to fulfilling a dream. Oh yea, some patients yell----you deal with it, you realize they are HURTING and responding appropriately. You get straight in your head, it's not personal---any yelling or behavior that IS inappropriate is not about you. They are hurting, afraid, vulnerable, needy, you-name-it. Anyone unable to cope with that fact, indeed, does not belong in OB nursing.

As far as any difference between BSN and ADN nursing, at the bedside there is none. We do the same things, are responsible equally for all we do and are truly interchangeable in that respect. You can't, for instance, go to a unit and point out who is a "BSN" versus an "ADN" at all. The things you learn in ADN school will be enough for you to begin functioning as a graduate nurse at the bedside anyplace.

If you wish to move into management or education or other such areas, you will need your BSN or higher----and ADN can be very limiting that way; you will be doing bedside nursing mostly with few opportunities for advancement "up the food chain" with an associate degree. But as far as being an L/D nurse, if that is what you want, your ADN will get you there if you find a hospital willing to hire a new grad out of school.

GOOD LUCK and if you need anything LET US KNOW! Again, welcome to our forum.

[USA987]

Deb summed it up 100%!

Good luck with your pursuit.

[cmrrn]

Good Luck to you in your endeaver!!! I am an ADN and have worked Labor and Delivery for 15 years and love every minute of it!! Just knowing at the end of the pain and frustration of your labor patient, you have helped bring a miracle in to the world. It is just the best!!

[Sable's mom]

Welcome!!
Deb is very correct!! It doesn't matter if what your educational track - you have to pass RN boards and then you are an RN. It may matter in some hospitals for management positions - it depends on where you are and how many BSNs are available.
Ditto, also, to 'if you need anything, ask' comment.

[JaneyW]

Oh, other nurses tell me wll the time that they couldn't do what I do in L&D. Well, I could NEVER be on a unit with lots of phlegm and chest tubes. I also have little interest in the burn arena. To each his own! That is the beauty of nursing.

[tdr61]

I too have been in L&D for 15 years both at the bedside and in management. I have an ADN and it hasn't held me back from doing anyting in that field from the bedside to supervisor to unit based educator. Don't worry about what others will tell you, if this is your dream then go for it...trust me, you won't regret it!

Ten