[rpbear]

I just got hired in L&D as a GN. I start all my hospital classes on Feb 16th and after two weeks I will start in L&D. I am so excited about my new job! Does anyone have any advise for a newbie in L&D?

Thanks

[SmilingBluEyes]

read the numerous threads on this board. there is a lot of info here.

read some of the books posted above on the sticky...they are there to help you.

be a sponge...soak up everything and get involved early on.

be willing to go to any class/seminar or educational offering related to OB you can

get NRP yesterday.

relax and enjoy the ride. i started in OB myself as a GN 6 years ago. you can make it.

[mandycat]

Congratulations Molly! How exciting for you!

:hatparty:

How do you get a GN position at a hospital? Are they posted with job openings? Sorry for my ignorance; I'm not familiar with GN positions (maybe it's different in Oregon) but it sounds like a good way to break into L&D after graduation. I'm fairly positive the hospital I work at now does not have a graduate nurse program. I believe they only hire once the license is actually in hand. How would I go about finding hospitals that have GN programs especially in L&D? Thanks for any advice!

Sorry I don't have any advice to give Molly, but I wish you the best!!!

~j

[USA987]

I started in Maternity in November and I whole-heartedly agree with everything SmilingBluEyes said. Especially the part about being a sponge!!!! I started with another girl at the same time and I have heard people grumbling already about her because of her not really showing an interest in learning...she seems more "task" oriented.

Good luck!!!

[rpbear]

Austinsmom,

I applied for the possition as it was posted for an RN. In my application/resume they could see that I was a GN. I have been hired on the condition that I have applied for my license and NCLEX exam. The state will issue you an RN permit after you have been hired, this allows you to work under another RN until you pass the NCLEX. My orrientation is 12 weeks anyway, so I won't be working "by myself" for some time.

Most hospitals have a nurse recruiter that would be able to help you in finding a job after graduation. Thats how I found out and applied for this possition. Good luck, I heard L&D was hard to get into as a GN, but I had not problems.

[Pab_Meister]

Wooooo hooooo! Congrats!!!! Congrats!!!! Congrats!!!!!

I can't believe what a mover and a shaker you are! You don't even have your licence, and you've already been promoted!

What the boss going to do next, make you the owner of the hospital? Maybe that will be next month.

Congrats!!!!

I'm sure Mrs. W. would be so proud of you!

[SmilingBluEyes]

I was hired into L and D 3 mo before graduation. They did not have an internship/residency, either. The NM simply asked the NSG dept at my college whom they recommend as a new nurse on their floor and my name came up, along with others.

Sometimes, it's just blind luck...but it's meant to be.

[mandycat]

Originally Posted by SmilingBluEyes

I was hired into L and D 3 mo before graduation. They did not have an internship/residency, either. The NM simply asked the NSG dept at my college whom they recommend as a new nurse on their floor and my name came up, along with others.

Sometimes, it's just blind luck...but it's meant to be.

Oh my gosh Deb, what a dream for you!
I really enjoy your posts. Your love for your job is obvious.

I hope to have a similar career path as you...

I do believe what is meant to be will happen for me. It's the uncertainty that's killing me!!

~j

[SmilingBluEyes]

Originally Posted by austinsmom

Oh my gosh Deb, what a dream for you!
I really enjoy your posts. Your love for your job is obvious.

I hope to have a similar career path as you...

I do believe what is meant to be will happen for me. It's the uncertainty that's killing me!!

~j

If you ever need nuggets of advice ( I have learned a lot the hard way) just ask me. I am happy to help anyone who wants to realize his/her dream of becoming an L and D nurse.

[Baby Catcher]

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Definately get NRP certified STAT. Take a fetal monitoring class. Start reading now. Michelle Murray fetal monitoring books are great. If your hospital offers PCEP take it. Don't be quick to run out the door at shift change. You can learn alot hanging around talking with nurses about past cases. Good luck and have fun. I've been doing this for alot of years and OB is the best! You just can't beat the feeling of a new life in your hands.