Cardiac RN wants to become a ob/gyn RN.

[lazz1]

Hi everyone,

I've been a Cardiac RN for three years now. All of my nursing education and specialty training has been in Canada, and I've worked in the states for 6 months now as med-surg. I do not like it. The unit I was working in Canada was highly specialized in receiving patients POD 1 from OHS, while down here I get the pt POD 4 or 5. We use to get our patients home after valve/CABG sx on pod 4-5!! It drives me nuts to get POD5 CABG patients now and they are only walking for the first time!! I find my job boring and mundane now. I still like caring for my patients, but I am DONE with med-surg.

Before I decided what specialty I wanted, many RNs told me "get the med surg experience" first. Well I did that, I got my experience, and though not all of it was bad, I'm ready for a big change. I want to be a maternity/L&D Rn. I always wanted to and I'm ready to do this.

I know what I would have to do in Canada to become a Materity/L&D RN in terms of the training and courses, but I'm not so sure how to go about this in the states. If there are L&D RNs, can you tell me what certifications you have, or what education is typically required of RNs in the states to work as maternity RNs.

Thank you for reading.

Christina

[APL&D]

Start applying to various positions that are out there. I was a cardiac nurse as well first, but I switched to maternal child health. I think you have a lot of valuable experience under your belt. Give yourself some credit! While you are applying, you can join AWHONN and take NRP and EFM courses, if you have money. I hope it works out for you. I had to wait a while until I got accepted. The more flexible you are, the better chances you have. If you are able to relocate, that is a great plus as well.

[lazz1]

Thank you so much for replying. I will look into AWHONN. Never heard of it!

[pbajil]

Good luck! I have over 10 years of critical care experience and have been trying to get a job in maternal/child for the past 7. I can not get a position, they only want unit-specific experience.