[Finally2008]

I would like to know your opinion on this. I truly feel that I want to work Mother/Baby when I graduate, but I have had professors tell me that I should have 1-2 years of Med/Surg experience first. I have done well in all of my clinicals, earned As in the clinical classes, and have done well on ATIs. I am 46 years old and I just don't want to take two more years doing something that I know I don't like doing....What are your thoughts and do you think I will I be able to/should go into Mother/Baby straight out of school?

[eccentricRN]

It seemed to work out for those in my graduating class that they were able to go into whatever specialty they desired. I think if you truly want to work in LD/OB then you should definitely apply... one of my fellow classmates did just that... her orientation is longer, but hence the specialty. Go for it if it's what you're interested in... you may just find the perfect fit! Good Luck!!

[Canadian_Nurse]

I went directly into L&D from university ten years ago...I went into nursing knowing what I wanted to do, and that was it. The first year was really tough, as I'm sure it is in any area. There was a huge learning curve, for sure. Do you know what? I still work in L&D, ten years in May! If it's where you want to be, then go for it! Good luck!

[AllisonRN]

Hi Finally2008...I sent you a private message.

CONGRATS on your upcoming graduation!

[Spidey's mom]

Yes, go right into "Mother/Baby" or postpartum . . . . many of the students I went to college with went straight into specialty areas with no problems.

Good luck!

steph

[cherokeesummer]

I went straight to a high level NICU out of school with no previous medical background, that was TOO acute for me but then I went to Mother/Baby and I love it, its where I think I was meant to be. There are frustrating aspects of it but thats with any job. I don't believe you have to have med surg first, I'm sure its helpful but its not what I wanted!

[Elvish]

I went the med-surg route, and while it did give me valuable clinical experience, I wish I'd just gone straight on to mother-baby. You have to follow your heart. In any case, we wish you the best.

[micmac]

I agree with above...I went straight to LDRP after school and never looked back! And that was 10 years ago (when I had to BEG to get into a specialty area without med/surg).

[smpbyram]

My instructor told our class the other day that you need to follow your passion. She stated if med/surg is not your passion-THEN DON'T DO IT! I went into nursing school to be a L & D nurse in the hopes of becoming a CNM. I have no intention of doing medsurg.

[ranaazha]

I've wanted to work in women's health for almost 10 years - 8 of them before even starting nursing school. When I got near the end of my program, though, I started to question the "practicality" of starting in a specialty. I ALWAYS second-guess myself, and this was just another example...

I spoke to one of my clinical instructors for guidance becuase I felt completely lost. She explained her experiences to me - that she started in med/surg and, after going to float, was able to adapt more quickly to new situations. Since I know I like doing a variety of things, I opted for the more "practical" route and chose med/surg.

I was quite happy at first. Now, after two months, though, I am completely miserable. I'm on my own now, and - sadly - I've realized that my preceptor was less than helpful. There are things I should know how to do or that I should be doing that I was never taught because my preceptor would just do them for me. All that aside, I realize that throwing pills at patients 3 times a day (at 6-9 scheduled times!), hanging abx, charting incessentantly about no changes in condition, being dumped on by other departments, etc., ad nauseum... I made the wrong choice.

I have a 1 year contract that I'm willing to stick out - but I don't want to. I'm actually quite miserable and can completely see myself going down the burnout road, if I stay in med/tele.

I'm currently looking for other opportunities in women's health, but they're hard to find now (because all the new grad slots have been filled). I just keep praying I'll be able to get in somewhere else, though.

I struggled so much between going with my passion and going with what was most practical. If you know that a women's health speciality is ALL you will EVER want to do, then go for it - and don't look back!

Best of luck!