Transitioning to L&D after med-surg

[danik]

Hi everyone, I'm a current nursing student in my 3rd yr of a 4yr BSN program. I am really interested in L&D/OB but hear it is very difficult (but not impossible) to get into. I am thinking that after graduation I will probably work on a med-surg unit first to get some experience and become comfortable...I know many people take this route and although it is possible to get an L&D job right after school, I think I would feel better nailing down basic skills/assessment first. but right now I am applying to an internship and may have an opportunity to be in the birthing center! Our clinicals next year also can include OB and L&D (we don't have TOTAL choice in placement). My question is, would it be silly to do the rest of my clinicals/internship in L&D/OB if I plan to get a medsurg job as a new grad?? Will I miss out on valuable med-surg experience? If I apply to an OB job after working for a few years, will they even care that I did an OB clinical/internship in school? I also welcome any input on how to get more experience in such a specialty and how to better my chances of getting a job there. Love this community, thank you so much!!

[danik]

I also want to clarify... unfortunately we are not a program that gives you a clinical or rotation in every specialty... this year we are mostly in med-surg and similar units (transplant, oncology), and next year we have one semester in which we can "rank" our preferences for a clinical/preceptorship. There are many sites for second years including L&D and OB/GYN and then some are more similar to med-surg.

[eylee08]

I did my senior internship in OB at a childbirth center and ended up getting a job there as a new grad after I graduated. I do admit that I think a year or so in med surg would have been beneficial but I wouldn't trade my job for anything. I was never a big fan of medsurg in school and I don't plan on ever working medsurg now. There's definitely benefits of getting medsurg experience but if you want to do OB, you can be a great OB nurse without doing medsurg first. Goodluck!

[MommyandRN]

I went into a broader general area after school but IMHO I think you should specialize right away if that's what you want. I have found it difficult to transfer into another specialty. I see new grads being hired before me. Why be miserable for a few years? The nursing profession is not a glamorous one, and it's worse if you are on a floor that you do not love. Do what makes you happy.

[DFRAZIER25]

I went into OB straight out of nursing school, so it is possible. If you're sure that's where you want to be I would go there first. Med-Surg will always be around and will always have an opening but I can't say the same for OB. I would most def do my preceptorship on OB if you can because that is a way to get your foot in the door. Be sure to voice your interest to your preceptor as they may be able to help you get a permanent job.

Good Luck!!