Does everyone have to start out nights to get into Mother/Baby????

Not in Vermont at least! It used to be that you had to wait until someone diee or retired to get a position on Maternity or L&D...now they're using travelers and are hiring new grads across all shifts!

Yes, I have definitely found that to be the case. Especially at union-affiliated hospitals, because they go by seniority when filling open positions. Since days tends to be the most desired shift, those RNs that have “done their time” doing nights will (rightfully) get first preference over new-grads when day shift openings occur. I emphasize with the day-care situation. I’m currently dealing with that issue myself. I’m a single parent, and will be working night shift in maternity and I have a 3 y/o. I was told it averages about a year to move to day shift. I wish hospitals were more supportive of parents. It is next to impossible to find overnight childcare.

around here, pretty much. One is lucky to get into OB many places, let alone nights. In some cities, there are NO OB/PP positions open, period. Fortunately, here in Seattle-Tacoma, you can get into Ob and PP IF you are interested in starting out on nightshift. Nothing if forever, and if you want it bad enough, you make the sacrifices you need to get what you want/dream of. Good luck!!!!

...........or you can try to go "perdiem" or 'oncall", meaning you are available to work when you CAN work. the downside is, no promised hours usually. BUT you will get to work dayshift this way!

Ditto to the above, most start on nights, find out from when the manager what the average stay on nights is at the facility. It is no guarantee, but you may get an idea. Some places the "promotion" to days is fast... If you really want it, go for it!

I started out as a new grad on days. I had an in, though. I externed in my dept for a year before signing on as an RN. However, we have had quite a few new grads start on days.

This is what I've seen as one of the differences between working for a union or non-union hospital.