[rizagirlRN]

Hi! I'm a new grad still in the process of waiting for endorsement papers so I can work as a nurse. It's been a long time since I worked and I'm scared of starting immediately on the floors. I'm interested in OB nursing but in doubt how to start and where. I have no nursing experience. My questions are:

1) Do I need or is it advisable to have labor and delivery 'training' (if there is such) before I go apply for work?
2) Is it required to know OB ultrasound or do I need to get certified on this before I get the job? If so, where can I get this?
3) volunteering perhaps so I can get the 'feel' of things??
4) What's the average starting pay for a new grad in OB anyway?

I need your advice!
Thanks for taking time to read!

Riza

[BlueHenRN]

Originally Posted by rizagirlRN

1) Do I need or is it advisable to have labor and delivery 'training' (if there is such) before I go apply for work?


Riza

It wouldn't hurt to have L & D experience, either through a clinical preceptorship, externship, or even being a unit clerk. I'm sure you had some OB clinical in school even if it wasn't your one-on-one preceptorship. I would advise you to start applying sooner rather than later. This is one specialty that tends to get snatched up pretty quickly, especially since few facilities take new grads, and those that do only take a handful.
I wish you the best, Riza!
Jess

[ffweste]

Perhaps you could try an externship. It is a pretty minimal work commitment, gives you face time to get the coveted L&D job and gives you a pretty good idea if you are going to like the work.

I did an externship and was offered a position full-time after graduation - I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER!!!! ( I can't wait for 8/18).

@ the facility where I work (HAHAHA!), they taught me how to use the U/S. The starting pay is the same @ this facility no matter which area you work (nothing impressive - $17.50/hr + differentials). I see you live in FL, you will probably get paid more.

[Pinkster]

Originally Posted by ffweste

I did an externship and was offered a position full-time after graduation - I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER!!!! ( I can't wait for 8/18).

I can't wait for 8/18 either Its my son's 2nd Birthday!!!!

...Back on topic...

How does one get an externship???

[BlueHenRN]

Originally Posted by Pinkster

How does one get an externship???

Call hospitals around you and ask to speak with the Nurse Recruiter who handles OB. Be persistent, but polite, and make sure you have some professors who can give you references, especially the professors you've had in Maternity!
Jess

[SmilingBluEyes]

I agree about externship.

Or if you are lucky, you will find a place that offers residency programs in specialty areas like OB, ICU, ED etc.

GOOD LUCK!

[Pinkster]

Originally Posted by BlueHenRN

Call hospitals around you and ask to speak with the Nurse Recruiter who handles OB. Be persistent, but polite, and make sure you have some professors who can give you references, especially the professors you've had in Maternity!
Jess

Thank you!!

[rizagirlRN]

Thanks everybody for your input . I tried applying online for a labor and delivery technician position and might be up for an interview next week already . I think this is a good way to start since I plan to do nursing in OB department in the long run.

The only questions I still have is about the salary . If the manager asks me what I expect to get from being a L&D technician (having a nursing and medical diploma BUT no nursing experience)-- I still don't know what I'd say. Any suggestions on a start pay for a tech??

Riza

[gemininurse71]

1) Do I need or is it advisable to have labor and delivery 'training' (if there is such) before I go apply for work?
2) Is it required to know OB or do I need to get certified on this before I get the job? If so, where can I get this?
3) volunteering perhaps so I can get the 'feel' of things??
4) What's the average starting pay for a new grad in OB anyway?

In my hospital, we have training classes for staff, but also offer them to out-lying hospitals or anyone who wants to take them. You can take classes on EFM, management of Labor & Delivery, etc. to help get your foot in the door. The intructors are often floor nurses or educators and you can pick their brains for more ideas.

I would NOT suggest starting out as an OB tech, as you will be making less money and won't be using your nursing degree. IMHO, you would be better off taking a med/surg job for the general nursing experience while taking some classes or extra training until you can get into OB. Good luck to you!

Alison, RN L&D