Published May 10, 2004
mitchsmom
1,907 Posts
I am in a BSN program right now, with plans to continue on to CNM-MSN asap. I am in rural S.-central florida right now and I'm thinking about moving to Ft.Myers/Naples but here's my question:
In order to go to most CNM programs I'll need 1+ year of L&D experience - where I live now I feel like I have an excellent chance at going immediately to L&D when I graduate (they are always needing people, and I sort of have "connections"). I am wondering if anyone can tell me whether I could resonably expect to get a position in L&D in the Lee/Collier area just out of school? I don't know if it makes any difference, but I get mostly A's in my program, have taken the FOCEP childbirth educator course, and will probably be an IBCLC by the time I graduate.
TIA for any feedback You can email me at [email protected] if you'd prefer.
jaybirds
4 Posts
i ...work in the ft. myers area and yes, you can probably get into a l&d unit here without a problem. our hospital has had openings for a while now. check http://www.leememorial.org/ .
Thanks so much for the info!
Do you work at Lee? What department? PM me if you want- I would love to get any scoop I can :)
Maybe I'll see you sometime over the next couple of years (I am part-time and just now starting clinicals this Fall - will probably be at Lee &/or Healthpark starting in January). Peds and OB we can take in Summer or Fall but I'll probably pick Fall since that is a longer semester, I will get more time in L&D that way.
I actually live in south Ft Myers but drive to Cape Coral Hospital (also owned by Lee Memorial Health System). I worked there (CCH) when I was in school (graduated in 1994) and loved it there so it is worth the drive. I work with great people there. The turnover there is minimal so that tells you that you get to work with really experienced ladies. When it gets sticky, it's nice to know there are such experienced people around. I have worked in hospitals where everyone is new...I'm too old for that now. I am PRN in OB. I teach 2nd grade during the school year. PS...we have great midwives!!!
Thanks for the scoop. Do you know if you guys have students coming through there? I can't remember if we use Cape Coral Hospital or not. Now that I know it's a good place with experienced people and good midwives I'll keep my fingers crossed that I'll end up there!! :)
PS... I used to be a teacher... is this a bad omen.. you are a nurse going to teaching, I'm a teacher going to nursing???
Yes, we have RN and BSN students and I believe we might have even had midwife students and a few residents. (I work PRN - nights...usually weekends and they usually do not work then). It is a great place to do clinicals. The nurses make sure you get plenty of hands on experience. They are secure in their knowledge and guidance to provide a good clinical experience. Many other hospitals in our area have a high turnover of nurses and I think they are a little hesitant because they are new. Some of our nurses at CCH are nursing instructors too. That helps to make the clinical experience more rewarding. They know the in's and out's of the hospital and can really get you in on the good experiences that we all wanted as students. Just make the most of wherever you go. Get in on everything you can. I remember staying late to stay with patients I had bonded with. I also remember coming in early to observe procedures I would have missed. If you ever get a chance to work in a teaching hospital (with full time residents) go for it...those were my most rewarding years. You get to be there when the residents ask all the great questions and you learn so much! Go to conferences too...they are so interesting!
jaxnRN
85 Posts
My husband and I vacation each year in Cape Coral, (my mom and dad own a house there ). Our 4 year plan is to re-locate to Ft. Myers/Cape Coral.
We did some research on the area and one of the head nurses from the Lee Memorial Hospital called me last summer regarding my relocation.
I CANNOT wait to move. I lived in Tampa when I was younger but have a lot of relatives in Western Florida.
The hospital looks wonderful and I NEED desperately to get out of the MidWest. I love the heat, the sun and MORE people!!!!