looking for info on od/gyn nursing...

nursecave · Nov 1, 2005

I work as a postpartum nurse at a major medical center in NC. I am currently an LPN, but am back in school obtaining my RN. I was able to get my job by being licensed in my state and successfully completing my orientation. After I get my RN, I will able to work in Labor and Delivery after completing an orientation successfully. Because OB is a specialized field, most of my training has been on the job.l:nurse:

MMARN, BSN, RN · Nov 1, 2005

Hello everyone. I'm new to the site. I'm starting nursing school in January. Are there any short-cuts or advice I should know about?

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Nov 1, 2005

Moving thread to OB-GYN Forum

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 1, 2005

Another person came here not too long ago, asking similar questions. I will copy/paste my response to him/her for you and hope this helps. If you have more questions, please feel free to ask here---there are a number of smart folks here who can help you out. Meanwhile, welcome to allnurses.com and, specifically, the OB/GYN/Midwifery Forums!

2. What schools offer training in this field?

You go to NURSING SCHOOL first, at a technical school or college/university. THEN you choose OB as your specialty after graduation. Some hospitals hiring new graduates then offer residency programs where you learn your specialty---or you are assigned a preceptor to work with you and train you on the job. http://www.allnursingschools.com is a good site to find the various nursing schools in the USA by program/degree.

3. What are the personal qualifications neccesary for this occupation?

You need credentials such as LPN or RN, schooled as above. Preferably, RN since many units no longer hire LPNs in labor and delivery. I am not starting an LPN versus RN debate, just stating what I have found is true these days. You also need to be quick on your feet and have the ability to critically think outside the box. You need to be self-motivated, hardworking and have integrity. You also need to be able to keep your cool head in emergencies and have compassion for your patients/families.

4. Is on-the-job training or apprenticeship required?As above, you can receive preceptorship or residency at the hospital that hires you. You would need to inquire about specifics of the nurse manager or Human Resources Dept. as to specifics. ALWAYS, there will be on the job training required as well as ongoing training to keep current.

5. Are special licenses or certificates required?

As above, you need your RN or LPN and then yes, some post-hire certifications and training such as NRP (neonatal resuscitation) and Fetal Heart Monitoring, Lactation Education, etc. There is a requirement for constant and ongoing education and training as long as you work as a nurse.

6. What salary can you expect to start at?

You would need to inquire at the HR department of the hospital you plan to seek employment. It varies by location and state. Or go to: http://www.salary.com for general answers.

What is a top salary for this field?

Same answer as above.

7. Where do people in this field find employment?

http://www.hospitalsoup.com will show you where hospitals are and you can find out their HR department numbers/websites for further inquiry.

8. What is the job outlook for this field?

Very good in nursing in general. The projected outlook is good, primarily as "baby boomer" nurses retire in huge numbers, and people live longer.

9. What are some of the advantages of a career in this field? What are some of the disadvantages?

Well you can start to answer this yourself by reading the many threads in this forum. This is such a huge question. Legal liability is a big drawback----as is overwork and understaffing. But the advantage is I get to be part of new families being born. That makes it all worth it.

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 1, 2005

Also, please feel free to check out the "sticky" threads at the top for information and resources to help you out, starting out in nursing and, specifically, OB nursing. Again, welcome!