[JRJAEGER]

Hi, I am trying to make some life-long decisions and would love some input. I am 32 years old and have been in outside sales for over 10 years and have MAJOR BURNOUT!! I am currently on bed-rest and Brethine with my 2nd pregnancy. (Pre-term labor at 21 weeks, 2 pregnancies in a row, now 27w2d) I have really been considering going back to school to pursue a different career. I LOVE babies, (was a foster parent to over 40 drug exposed infants in my early 20's) and with two difficult pregnancies and lots of time as an antipartum patient have really thought I'd enjoy working in labor and delivery. I have a high school diploma and some college. What would it take to be able to work in L&D?? Are there positions besides nursing (such as nurses aid) that don't require a 4 year degree to maybe get my foot in the door, and decide if this is really for me??? If so, what is the pay like and where would you find the info for these positions?? Thoughts, advice, input, etc????

[renerian]

Wow obheather would be good for this thread!!!!!!!!Heather where are you?????

I have found most jobs require you to have some acute care experience. We did at one home health company have an orientation program for new grads but we seldom put people in that role because so much of your skills/instinct develops over time. Does that make sense? Lets see if some nurses in OB come forward to help you......

MY acute care is on a BMT/oncology unit so I am of no use to you........

I have great empathy for you and the bedrest. I was on bedrest 5 months with placenta previa........with a 1.5 year old child ...was a treat!!!!!! Do you have other kids???

renerian

[Mimi2RN]

I work in Maternal Child Health, although not L&D. I attend high risk deliveries, for the newborn. We do have CNA's working L&D, many of them use it as a stepping stone to an RN position. The department is co-operative with their schedules as they go through school. They attend deliveries when possible to help with equipment and clean-up, and clean and restock delivery carts. Also usual CNA work, assisting w/ vs, peri care, bed making, assisting pts to BR etc., etc. I don't know about the pay scale.

[BBnurse34]

An ADN school is two years plus prerequesites. You may already have many of those. If you desire L&D, you may want to check to see if your local hospitals offer extern programs for nursing students. Externing is a great way to get your foot in the door.

[bbnurse]

Depends on where you live as to how the L&D is staffed. Most hospitals 250 bed size, use only RNs in L&D but use NA and or LPN in post partum units. Some states require RNs rather than LPNs to provide labor assessments and care.
Ask your hospital how they staff to get a feel for the area's requirements.
We have used LPN's in past years but the BON changed the definitions a few yrs ago. NAs can help with vital signs and setting up sterile tables for us but we don't use them as scrubs nor can the "receive" the baby at a birth.
Long story, short....ask around.
Good luck with keeping that baby well.

[wsiab]

We don't have CNA's in L&D, however we do use them in post partum that may be a place to start, at least to make some contacts. We do use OB techs, we train them here, they stock supplies in l&D, take pictures and footprints, work as scrub techs for c sections, etc....you might want to check with your local hospitals and see if anyone has a similar position.

Most nursing programs require, or at least consider helpful, volunteer work or medical experience for admission. Many hospitals out here use volunteers in Maternal/Child (baby cuddlers/ feeders for nursery, taking photos, etc.). Volunteering can be a great start as well and it only takes a few hours a week.