any tips to land a job in a maternity setting w no experience???

j0yegan · Jan 9, 2014

I worked very hard to finally get my dream job in postpartum. It all started by volunteering in the newborn nursery and NICU. THAT'S how I started getting experience. Later on down the road, I made a friend who just so happened to work in postpartum at the hospital we work at. In the end, I got her to put in a good word for me and to let me know what her manager's email address was so I could email her about my interest in working on postpartum and send her my resume. Then I officially applied and kicked butt on both interviews I had and landed the job I've always wanted.

Basically, if you really want something, it's not going to fall on your lap. You've got to be smart and do all the right things and WORK for it. That is my secret. I hope I inspired you!! :)

maddox11, ASN, RN · Jan 9, 2014

Thanks for your response.

I just had a baby myself, so as soon as I can get some time I plan on volunteering at my local hospital.

The reason I didn't do it before is because you have to make a 4 month commitment, and when I was working per diem I found it impossible to make a commitment like that or else I would never be able to pick up any shifts.

But I really thank you for your input. You are right; anything that is worth it does not come easy.

RunBabyRN · Jan 10, 2014

It really is all about who you know. Get your name out there in the community.

Have you thought about doing some lactation work? Find out about becoming a La Leche League leader if you nursed your little one (or are nursing), as, if I remember right, you are required to have a certain amount of personal experience with it. Even attending meetings, you can meet people in the field and get your name out there. People connect people!!

Another possibility is working for an OB's office. It's outpatient, but it's OB. I'm not sure if there's a freestanding birth center in RI, but look into it- they might be hiring too.

Cast a wide net in the hospitals around you, including anywhere you can commute to- CT, Mass (you may need to apply for licensure in those states if you get a job there).

I'm going into my final semester with two good prospects in OB nursing because of contacts I've made over the years. It's ALL about connections and showing people your passion and skill. The certifications can only help, too, and some positions require them within a certain amount of time after hire, anyway.

maddox11, ASN, RN · Jan 10, 2014

I have actually been looking into some of the things that you have advised. I am looking into attending a LLL meeting. I am currently breastfeeding and could use the help anyways, since my little guy has milk protein allergies and suspected other allergies. I don't want to jump the gun and sign up to be a leader as I do not know what that entails and would like to learn about it more before considering. As far as OB offices, they all want you to have prior experience. I keep checking all the advertisements online though for such positions. There are no freestanding birthing centers in RI. They are all within hospitals.. And all the hospitals in RI seem to be in such a fud right now. One is not hiring any nurses right now, and the other is only hiring level II nurses which I would not be considered as I only have detox experience. All of the other hospitals, as I think I stated in the original post have not contacted me for an interview at all. On Monday morning I am actually planning on putting on my interview clothes and marching down to the HR office of one of the hospitals in my area that I have put an unimaginable number of applications in within the last year and asking for an interview.

Last night I sent an email to HR at a CT hospital that is an hour away. Waiting to here back from them.

I also just signed up for linkedin and making a profile on there. Nothing can hurt at this point..right?

I don't even care if it is not OB. I just want a position somewhere, in a hospital setting. I am yearning to get my feet wet and make the most out of my education.

Its funny how the times change. So much changes. When I was in school so many of the older nurses would tell me how they felt bad for all the new grads that are unable to get jobs right now. They said how when they graduated they were literally begged by employers and even offered sign on bonuses. My mom always reminds me that it is just a revolving trend and eventually the circle will come around again and things will change. I just can't help but get a little dismayed after a while.

RunBabyRN · Jan 10, 2014

I remember the nursing shortage. Boy what I'd give for that now! :)

Sounds like a LLL meeting would benefit you for sure! There's a book called "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" that you ought to check out (it's required that leaders read it). It'll both validate you and help you through any struggles you're experiencing with breastfeeding. My son and I STRUGGLED to nurse for the first 6 weeks after a traumatic birth experience, and when I read that book much later, SOOO many things clicked and I wished I'd read it sooner.

I think your idea of joining AWHONN would be good, too. Then you can see if they have any events in the area where you can make connections.

JMC1 · Jan 28, 2014

It is a double edge sword for sure. You need experience in the women's unit (ICU, ER) to work in that unit, but need to be afforded the opportunity at a hospital, which only wants experience. I definitely think volunteering or picking up shifts on that unit if possible is a good way to get an "in"

queenanneslace, ADN, MSN, APRN, CNM · Jan 29, 2014

I wondered if it would be a good idea to get NRP &/or EFM certification? Or I was wondering if it would be at all helpful to me to become a member of the AWHONN?

Yes. Yes and yes. These are good ideas.

Have you thought about doing some lactation work?

I second this suggestion.

Here's an organization that offers week-long lactation courses - a good place to start: Lactation Courses

Have you thought about doula training or becoming a childbirth educator?

You will have to have some sort of 'experience' to be hired in OB or L&D. You may have to seek out those experiences outside of your employment to show your interest and ability in that area of work. Learn everything you can - seek out CEUs and conferences related to any topic in women's health, maternity, newborn care. Volunteering is a good idea too. Keep learning and you will soon have some knowledge to bolster your application.

AND - as a relatively new grad - I will say it took over a year of applying - and DOZENS and DOZENS of applications before I was hired where I wanted to be. And most of my applications just disappeared into the ether. Not even a response stating : "Thank you for applying." Nothing. Nada. Zip. If they weed out your application, they just ignore it. It's brutal.

geekynurseRN · Jan 30, 2014

I suggest getting your NRP and joining AWHONN, you can also take the beginning to FHM class by AWHONN. If you're trying to get into the hospital basic med/surg is great as well as critical care / ICU / and ER.

gagirl14 · Feb 1, 2014

It's frustrating...would you consider taking a job as a PCT on a postpartum floor? I graduated in May 2013 and knew where I wanted to work. I started applying months beforehand to the "internship" they offered (paid, or course, not a typical internship) and placed many phone calls to the HR office until they knew me. I also attended every job fair the hospital put on, even the ones for experienced nurses (which I was not) and that's where I met and spoke with a recruiter, who called me a week later for an interview. Make a profile with your hospital's careers website and sign up to receive emails about positions. Lastly, use your linked in account to connect with hiring managers or talent acquisition or whatever they are calling recruiters now...good luck! I think someone else posted on here that nothing worth having ever came easy...your hard work will pay off :)

p.s. a word about getting certifications: it will look good on paper, but won't really make sense until you have practical experience. also, the hospital will pay for your nrp once you are hired. one other thing, can any of your instructors help you out? did you make any contacts with your preceptors during clinical?

geekynurseRN · Feb 1, 2014

Well I just got hired for a L&D position with no experience and the manager was really impressed that I went out there and joined AWHONN, got my NRP, and did my intro to FHM class.