[CT Pixie]

Hi all,
I am very interested in L&D and NICU. I was floating around the net visiting the websites of the hospitals around me (I'm in Connecticut) and was noticing that L&D and NICU postions posted all had 1-2 yrs experience required. I know this sounds like I'm jumping the gun since I won't graduate LPN school until June..and then its another year to get my RN BUT..how does one get experience IN L&D or NICU if you can't get a postion until you have experience in it??

Maybe someone can suggest what can be done now, and in the upcoming year or so, that might make it a bit easier to get a position. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for any suggestion.

[abruns]

Hi, I'm not from connecticut, but around here they hire new grads in l&d and nicu as long as you are going to be full time.

[Suesquatch]

Does it specify on year of L&D experience?

L&D - anything to do with babies, actually - is a coveted position, and I would suggest getting your foot in the door in that old med/surg world and being first in line when the rare spot you want opens up.

[SaderNurse05]

One of my fellow students got on as a nurse tech, then signed up for extra shifts in L&D to get her foot in the door. It worked, and she is a very happy L&D nurse. She worked more than she wanted in school, and ambulated many ortho patients all for those coveted L&D shifts. She also made the most of her time up there, learning, reading, asking questions. This is a pretty good game plan for many specialties. She never has worked a day in med surg and is going to start her NP next year. It was hard, but it can be done. Good luck!

[EricEnfermero]

What about nurse internship programs? That tends to be a great way to break into specialized areas.

[Jolie]

NICU positions are not all that rare. The NICU is typically one of the largest units in the hospital, and is staffed more intensively than most other units. It is actually one of the easiest specialty units to get into as a new grad. Most hospitals will state that they want 1+ years of experience (who doesn't?), but will typically take new grads.

Med/surg experience may help to prepare a new grad for L&d, but it is not helpful, or even desirable for a candidate wishing to work in the NICU. If you are unable to find a NICU position as a new grad, look into peds or mother-baby.

Good luck!

[MBA2BRN]

OP: Good observation!! If you want to get your "foot in the door" before you graduate then work as an aid, tech, or intern/extern on the L&D floor. Although those are not RN positions, getting a job after graduation in a specialty area has a lot more to do with WHO you know then anything else. RNs trying to apply through the front door must have years of experience OR must be willing to move across country (Some places are more desperate then others)! BTW, I am taking my own advice and am working as a tech until I become a nurse extern soon. GL.

[jjjoy]

If you can afford to be a nursing assistant (low pay, less time to study), go for it. It's a great experiece and it might introduce you to people who can help you in the future. While many speciality areas DO hire new grads, I wouldn't count on getting the speciality position you want straight out of school. You don't know what your competition will be like for those spots when you graduate and sometimes the hiring cycle isn't in sync with your school's schedule and the new grad programs start before you graduate.

[sweet1]

Hi,don't know if i'm in the right place really but hopefully will gain some advice from this site.I am currently working in the uk as an N/A in a privately run nursing home,i so want to do Midwifery but i'm lost as to where to begin my search,what grade's,qualification's i need.I have been told i would need to do an Access course,where would i find out about this?I would be very grateful for any replies in this matter.
Thankyou

[rosemadder]

When the job posted says "experience required"...ignore it. Apply and obtain an interview. Although most people prefer to hire experienced nurses...that is not always the reality of what happens. They may get numerous experienced applicants who they feel don't meet other criteria.

When I called for an interview on my current L&D job, the supervisor said she was not interested in training anyone but she would talk to me...I interviewed and was hired with 12 weeks orientation.

Never hurts to apply and interview.