Choosing OB Nursing Positions

[Pink Magnolia, BSN, RN]

Hello Allnurses,

Prior to nursing school, I was a elementary school teacher with a passion for science, teaching, and people. I always knew deep down that I wanted to be a nurse, so after just a few years of teaching I switched my path. Before starting my program I had a gut feeling that I would love obstetrics, and boy was I right. It was the most fascinating experience to see a baby take its first birth during my labor and delivery clinical. Post-partum was just as amazing, and I particularly loved seeing the education nurses provided their patients.

Now, I am in my last semester of nursing school, and I'm currently applying for OB nursing positions at different hospitals in my city. This is all so exciting to me, but it is overwhelming too because I don't know exactly what type of OB nurse I want to be. Based on what I've seen during clinical, I love them all! At this time, I have applied for labor and delivery and the nursery, but if I am offered these positions, how will I chose between the two?

If it helps, I do intend to pursue a graduate nursing degree in the near future. I am considering MSN in education, WHNP, and DNP programs. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and I would be very grateful for any advice or stories about choosing OB nursing positions.

Blessings,

SouthernBelle14

[pixie6089, BSN]

Go for the work environment that seems the most comfortable to you. Since you enjoy both fields, you need to make sure your co-workers and managers are people you trust and see yourself working with. Good colleges will lift you up and never make you feel dumb for asking a question or for help. It is disappointing to pick the wrong field to go into but you can always switch after you give it a few years and it's not working for your. But being in a toxic work environment can ruin it for you entirely.

[Pink Magnolia, BSN, RN]

Thanks for your input pixie6089!

After thinking about it ALL day, I think I would take the L&D position because I want the birthing experience, especially if I were to specialize in women's health. I would rather go into L&D fresh out of school, and like you said, if I ever wanted to switch to another OB position I could. Then I would have some knowledge when going to postpartum, antepartum, or nursery. I hear you really need to know your L&D stuff in antepartum, and most places only hire experienced L&D nurses.

[allybear]

You could also look for units that are LDRP, if you want both experiences at once.

[RunBabyRN]

See what gets offered. The way the market is, there are a lot more applicants than there are positions.

Many places prefer to start new grads in PP then move you to L&D, but see what's out there.

[Pink Magnolia, BSN, RN]

Thanks y'all! I will be blessed with anything OB related!