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Honest opinion for a soon-to-be New Grad



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Oct 16, 2009 12:03 AM

Honest opinion for a soon-to-be New Grad


I would really appreciate some advice from OB nurses! I am a senior nursing student and I am getting ready to choose my senior practicum. My heart and soul lies in OB/L&D and I would love to be placed there, but I hear a lot of people saying that as a new grad, having a med/surg background is best. I know that not many hospitals hire new grads in L&D (some do for NICU, which I also enjoy), so I would really like some advice on if whether I should ask to be placed on a med/surg floor for my last semester. For those OB nurses that started in in OB, do you feel like you are well-rounded enough? I am really torn! I want to follow my passion and really fight for the little number of placements that they have in OB for my last semester, but I am afraid that I will not build those med/surg skills that I need as a new grad in May. PLEASE HELP!!!

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13 Comments
No. 1
from peeweedelivery
Old Oct 16, 2009, 12:08 AM

Default Re: Honest opinion for a soon-to-be New Grad
I went right into L&D out of nursing school, but I had to move out of state to do it. I would say if that is YOUR passion, go for it. I didn't settle for working in any area where my heart wasn't into it. Would it be more challenging to get a job? YES, probably...is it impossible?? NO.

Good luck to you, I hope it works out well for you!!
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No. 2
from classicdame
Old Oct 16, 2009, 07:43 AM

Default Re: Honest opinion for a soon-to-be New Grad
I went straight to peds. Loved it. Years later I realized how limited I was in practice. No matter where you begin your career remember to read up on other areas of practice and, if there is an opportunity to work somewhere and you want to transfer, DO IT.
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No. 3
from SmilingBluEyes
Old Oct 16, 2009, 11:10 AM

Default Re: Honest opinion for a soon-to-be New Grad
GO WHERE YOUR HEART AND SOUL LIE. I started right into LDRP nursing and feel very well rounded and never looked back. There is plenty to learn and do. And you won't regret it. Med-surg is a great way to start, but if the chance to go right into OB comes up, do take it.
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No. 4
from ♪♫ in my ♥
Old Oct 16, 2009, 11:13 AM

Default Re: Honest opinion for a soon-to-be New Grad
Originally Posted by WannaBeL+D View Post
I would really appreciate some advice from OB nurses! I am a senior nursing student and I am getting ready to choose my senior practicum. My heart and soul lies in OB/L&D and I would love to be placed there, but I hear a lot of people saying that as a new grad, having a med/surg background is best. I know that not many hospitals hire new grads in L&D (some do for NICU, which I also enjoy), so I would really like some advice on if whether I should ask to be placed on a med/surg floor for my last semester. For those OB nurses that started in in OB, do you feel like you are well-rounded enough? I am really torn! I want to follow my passion and really fight for the little number of placements that they have in OB for my last semester, but I am afraid that I will not build those med/surg skills that I need as a new grad in May. PLEASE HELP!!!
The only folks hired out of our class were in critical care or ED... none of the med-surg, none of the OB, none of the NICU folks.
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No. 5
from caroladybelle
Old Oct 16, 2009, 11:19 AM

Default Re: Honest opinion for a soon-to-be New Grad
I think that it is okay to be hired straight into LDRP. But the big problem will be hired into that unit in this economy.

LDRP/ICU are popular fields, so much so that there are few openings, and that experienced nurses will be hired first. It will be difficult to get hired there as a new grad.
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No. 6
from never ending
Old Oct 16, 2009, 02:36 PM

Default Re: Honest opinion for a soon-to-be New Grad
You can always get a job in Med/Surg, but you can't always get a job in L&D... I would follow your heart and do med/surg later if you want to.
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No. 7
from RNBelle
Old Oct 19, 2009, 12:03 AM

Default Re: Honest opinion for a soon-to-be New Grad
Go for it! We have a new grad on our though who does not seem very eager to learn. I actually think she is just scared to death. So my advice when you get your L&D position. Jump in! While orienting go to EVERY delivery & c/s. Don't be afraid to start doing vag exams. Be as proactive as you can and your co-workers will love to teach you. NEVER be scared to ask a question. I still love to pepper my co-workers with LOTS of questions.
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No. 8
from Bree124
Old Oct 19, 2009, 09:46 AM

Default Re: Honest opinion for a soon-to-be New Grad
I graduated in August, and just got offered an L&D position last week. The reason I went to nursing school was to go into women's health. I kept a very open mind during clinicals, and could definitely see myself doing well in other areas. If I hadn't gotten an L&D job, I would be excited to work med/surg and develop my skills. However, if you have the chance to do what you're really excited about, go for it!
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No. 9
from WannaBeL+D
Old Oct 19, 2009, 10:43 AM

Default Re: Honest opinion for a soon-to-be New Grad
I really appreciate everyone's feedback! I asked to be placed in a women's health setting so we'll see what happens!
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