[teresab_2000]

HI, I will be graduating from an associates degree program next May. One of the main reasons I went into nursing school was to work with women and babies. I was wondering if anyone had any advice about going into L&D right out of school. It's what I know I will be happy doing but I've heard people saying that I should at least have 1 year of med/surg experience first. Is this true and will it be hard for me to get hired.


Oh, I am also trying for an internship this summer in L&D. I hope this will help me get in.


Teresa

[wlnbrg]

Congrats on your upcoming graduation! I've been an R.N. for 10 years & STILL love it! My dream when I went to school was to work in the NICU, against everyone's advice. I followed my dream & lasted 6 months. My shortcomings were: 1) Lack of confidence in myself and my skills; 2) Inability to adjust to working nights; 3) Lack of basic nursing experience. If you can find a hospital that values their new nurses and has the time and patience to work with you, go for your dream. Would I do it again? Probably. I think I would have had a better chance of making it if I'd had basic nursing experience first. After several years of experience in various areas, I'm working in LDRP and feel reasonably comfortable. It still took about a year to reach this point though, so keep at it and don't be too hard on yourself. Some of my co-workers know no other type of nursing. We sometimes get OB surgical patients and I'm amazed at what they don't know. Bottom line --- know thyself, and do what you think is best. If it doesn't work out, there are plenty of other nursing jobs from which to choose

[fergus51]

I went practically straight into L&D and have never regretted it. Go for it if you think it's the type of area you could work in.

[JenniferNRN]

Hello!

I just graduated an associate degree program in May, 2001 and went straight into L&D after 6 weeks of nursery orientation. Yes, it is a challenge, and in a way I regret that there are some med-surg skills I will lose since I never use them, but since day one in L&D, I absolutely knew that I made the right choice.

I too went to school with the goal of L&D and I think that for anyone who feels very strongly that it is what they want, they should go for it. I also think that the market is good for new grads to get in because of the shortage. I would definitely stress during an interview that being a new grad, they can mold you and shape you the way they want to. It's true and a good selling point.

Good luck to you! I'm sure you will love it!

[mark_LD_RN]

Hi, I went into L&D right out of school, I did just fine, I was very confident in my skills and also had a back ground in midwifery. so I had a advantage in a way. It has its draw backs going right into L&D, but if this is your calling and you have good skills, compassionate,confident and with a good preceptor program you should do just fine. I f i can help let me know. you can write me at mark_LD_RN@hotmail.com