Am I being unrealistic? Is nursing maybe not for me?

***member01*** · Dec 11, 2013

If you are not a CNA, you may want to consider getting your CNA license first, and trying to get a job on a L&D floor. (Perhaps landing a job as a CNA on a non-L&D floor might help you understand what happens on those units better) All of this will give you experience and help you decide if you really like it or not. This will also help you get a "foot in the door" for when you do get your RN. Not a guaranteed job, but it can definitely help.

Another option is to find out what kind of volunteer opportunities are available. You might not be able to do as much, but the more exposure to the field you can have the better.

beckyboo80 · Dec 11, 2013

You know, I have thought about that and I've actually spent about a month searching online but I have never once seen a job opening on L&D other than an RN! I wonder if where I live they only use RNs on L&D, who knows... But thanks for the advice and I will keep searching!

quirkystudent · Dec 11, 2013

I asked a nurse friend of mine this once. She told me that, at least around here, you apply at the hospital, the hospital hires you, and the hospital makes the decision on what unit you work. You can tell them you want L&D but if they need help on cardiac you either go to cardiac or apply somewhere else. Maybe it's only that way in my area, I'm not sure. You could maybe call the nursing director and ask them how to get an L&D job (maybe not in those words)... Like if you can pick the unit you work on or if they just put you where they need help the most.

artisticmind · Dec 11, 2013

I just graduated in May and have spent the last 6 months working on a Progressive Care Unit. My dream job is L&D but I will tell you, chances are you will have to put your time in on another unit and then apply for a L&D position. I know several hospitals do internal hiring for L&D and those few jobs that do get posted publicly will want experience. Unfortunately new grads aren't usually the candidates hired to fill open L&D positions. I think you received some good suggestions above.

EclecticGal · Dec 11, 2013

I am a new grad that was lucky enough to get hired in L&D so it is not impossible. If it is your goal than you should really try to position yourself in such a way that you have an edge over other applicants. I think trying to become a CNA is a great idea if they are utilized in that department. You may also want to investigate the prospects of becoming a unit secretary or volunteer. When you have your L&D clinical in school make sure to try to develop connections and talk to the unit manager if possible. Let them know about your interest in their department and facility. Stand out by being prepared, willing to learn and lending a hand whenever possible. Show a genuine appreciation for any help your preceptor gives you.

You should also prepare yourself for the fact that L&D may not be where you start your nursing career and that is O.K. too. Use any job you get to really develop your nursing skills, so you will become a more attractive applicant in the future for a L&D job.

Like you, when I started my path towards becoming a nurse L&D was my goal. I found during my clinical rotations that what was really special for me was the connections I was able to develop with my patients. It mattered less what unit I was working on. You may realize that another patient population or specialty is really interesting to you also. Just keep an open mind.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Dec 11, 2013

It definetely depends. Most facilities do want experienced nurses for L&D. I would call the hospital, ask to speak to the manager, and set up an appointment to speak with her about your future goals. Find out what you have to do to work on the unit. Then start working toward those goals.

Ask if they use CNA's and if you can apply to work there. Another thought is to work at an OB/GYN office as a medical assistant. Any way to get your foot in the door.

You can also become a lactation consultant,which is another way to get your foot in the door-- and here's a link--I would research and see which general ed sciences you would need to be eligible:

Eligibility Criteria | IBLCE

Best of luck!

allnurses Guide · Dec 11, 2013

You live in a very high unemployment area for nurses. This means that not only may you not be able to get a job in Mom/Baby or L&D (one of the top three high demand areas for new nurses, which means heavy competition), you may not be able to find a job in a hospital or anywhere at ALL for over a year after graduation.

Most people go into nursing school thinking they are interested in one specialty or another, then get their feet wet and find things they didn't think they would enjoy more appealing and their original passion not all they thought it would be. The key here is in not being invested in getting everything you want. If you can keep an open mind, if you can accept that few people get their dream job right out of school, if you can recognize the challenges you are setting yourself up for - then of course you can and should still be a nurse. But you need to do it with your eyes open. You may not love L&D after all. You may love something else. Or you may indeed only love L&D and very likely WILL have to work with other populations before you get any kind of opportunity in your specialty of choice. Those are just the realities of today's market for nurses. Only you can decide if you are willing to put in the time, emotion and money to chase a dream that is by no means guaranteed. Only you can decide if you are able to morph that dream and allow it to expand. Trust me, I do a whole lot more than "wipe old man butts" and so do all of the rest of us who are not in L&D.

klone, MSN, RN · Dec 11, 2013

I don't think you're not meant to be a nurse because you only want to work OB. Many people have that same opinion, myself included. I do think, though, that it would be unrealistic to go through nursing school with the thought that you *will* only work OB. In the current job market, you will be lucky to get a job - any job - in nursing within the first six months of graduation. I certainly would not hold out hope that you will get a job in OB as your first job. It's highly unlikely that you will find a job in your desired area right out of the gate. That's just the realities of the job market right now.

IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP · Dec 11, 2013

You can also become a lactation consultantwhich is another way to get your foot in the door-- and here's a link--I would research and see which general ed sciences you would need to be eligible: Eligibility Criteria | IBLCE Best of luck!

I can't recommend this. Obtaining your IBCLC can easily take a couple of years. Many people get their RN to get the IBCLC. This is a timely and expensive way to get experience.

klone, MSN, RN · Dec 11, 2013

I agree with Irish. I actually went to nursing school because becoming an RN was the most expeditious way to get my IBCLC.

sunbaby0811 · Dec 11, 2013

I'm only a 1st semester student but originally decided to go to nursing school as a means to get my IBCLC and to work L&D. That may very well still be where I land. However, I will say that as I'm getting exposed to the healthcare system there is so much that excites me! I can see myself in L&D or the ER or a number of other situations. As you go through the clinical rotations just keep an open mind. Nursing has so many amazing opportunities! You never know where it will lead you (I still have no idea myself and I think that's ok!). Good luck :)