Certifications

[stelarRN]

What additional certifications would be good to have as a new nurse wanting to enter into Labor and Delivery? (for example PALS.. although i'm planning on getting this regardless)

[SmilingBluEyes]

You must have NRP (neonatal resuscitation program) ----a must for all nurses who do L/D and newborn nursing....

Some places require ACLS (advanced cardiac life support)----check your unit.

BLS Basic Life Support----everyone must have

FHM---fetal heart monitoring/interpretation----AWHONN has some good books and certification courses, both beginning and advanced

And later, when you have experience---at least 2-3 years' fulltime, perhaps certification in your specialty----inpatient OB nursing, mother-baby nursing or NICU---NCC and http://www.proedcenter.com websites have info on this. The others, your manager or hospital education department should be able to give you information or study materials to work on those.

ALSO STABLE courses, good to have if you are in OB. Ask about these, too.

[stelarRN]

You must have NRP (neonatal resuscitation program) ----a must for all nurses who do L/D and newborn nursing....

Some places require ACLS (advanced cardiac life support)----check your unit.

BLS Basic Life Support----everyone must have

FHM---fetal heart monitoring/interpretation----AWHONN has some good books and certification courses, both beginning and advanced

And later, when you have experience---at least 2-3 years' fulltime, perhaps certification in your specialty----inpatient OB nursing, mother-baby nursing or NICU---NCC and http://www.proedcenter.com websites have info on this. The others, your manager or hospital education department should be able to give you information or study materials to work on those.

ALSO STABLE courses, good to have if you are in OB. Ask about these, too.

great info, thank you!!

[SmilingBluEyes]

I am very sorry; I was tired and dealing with the tail end of a migraine last night. Here Is more comprehensive information -----the actual websites you can go to for more information. PALS is ok, but NRP is what you really want in OB/Newborn nursing.

FOR NRP:

http://www.aap.org/nrp/nrpmain.html

STABLE (Sugar, Temperature, Airway, Blood Pressure, Lab Work, Emotional Support):

http://www.stableprogram.org

Fetal Heart Monitoring Courses----a MUST for every inpatient OB or triage nurse:

http://www.awhonn.org ( I also recommend you become an AWHONN MEMBER if you are going to be an OB nurse)

RNC , certifying in OB or newborn nursing:

http://www.nccnet.org/public/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

I wish you the very best. let me know if I can in any other way.