Advice for an OB nurse wannabe

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Telemetry, SICU.

Hi all! I am graduating with my BSN in 2 weeks. I have always wanted to be an OB nurse (L&D, Postpartum, anything OB!) The problem I am facing is that no one will accept new graduates into OB. I currently work as a tech, and have received a job offer on a Med/Surg unit. I will also be participating in this hospital's residency program, where they offer further training to new grads. The managers seem very supportive of new grads, and the hospital is convenient to where I live. I am planning on taking the job since I think it's a good opportunity and I'm obviously not getting into OB anytime soon. My question is, what should I be doing to better prepare myself to transition into an OB job (hopefully) in a couple of years? I did a 72 hour practicum in L&D, and I have my NRP certification and soon will have my ACLS. I have also noticed that many L&D jobs in my area that I have checked out require 2 years of specific L&D experience before they will even look at you..not sure how I will ever obtain that if I can't get hired into OB! I guess I'm just worried that I will end up "stuck" and never able to work in my dream position. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks! :)

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Specializes in L&D.

If there is an OB unit in the hospital you are at right now, I would try to get to know some of the nurses, or even the manager on that floor. Let them know that you are very interested in getting a job with them, but are trying to get some basic experience first. Med-surg is a great place to start out and you will learn alot! This is the road I traveled many years ago as well. I was in med-surg for a year when I heard of a L&D opening across town....I interviewed (knew some people there b/c of ob rotation, leadership rotation and volunteering when I was a student). The first call I got after the interview was to inform me that I didn't get the job....my mom sent me consolation flowers. Two days later, the same manager called me and asked if I would be able to work days/nights rotating.....the rest is history! Hang in there...if you have a goal, you will find a way to attain it.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Telemetry, SICU.

Thanks, I appreciate your reply! The hospital I will be working at does not have an OB unit, however, the hospital I have been a tech at does, and I do know several nurses on the floor. I will definitely look into volunteer options. Thank you!

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Keep in touch with those nurses on your unit now. Whenever a job opens up they will remember you. I've been at my job for 11 months now and a L&D job, where I did my practicum, is available! I'll be making phone calls tomorrow. Hang in there, it will come when you least expect it. Also join AWHONN and keep up on the latest issues.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Telemetry, SICU.

Thanks for the reply. Good luck with the L & D position!! :)

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Specializes in ICU, Home Health, Camp, Travel, L&D.

Sometimes working Mother/Baby or Postpartum can get your foot in the door of L&D, and sometimes ICU/Step down is a good bridge to L&D...I was an ICU nurse for the first 7 years, watching, watching for that ever so elusive women's center posting. I was able to transfer (by taking crappy hours and a pay cut*) to postpartum, and here's what I did...

I got all of my work done, and got nosy in the back. I made it my mission to be the helping hands they couldn't live without. Soon, I was cross-training to L&D and then primary L&D. And this year, I'll be starting midwifery school.

So, don't give up. Use everything you are doing to bridge to where you're going.

Blessings,

T

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Specializes in Cardiac.

So, don't give up. Use everything you are doing to bridge to where you're going.

Blessings,

T

Yes, this is my mantra!

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