Arizona Nursing Student- fish out of water

klone, MSN, RN · Apr 27, 2014

I would say that if you believe the only area of nursing that will satisfy you is L&D, then you may be very disappointed. I'm not saying that getting a job in L&D right out of school is not possible (I am an example of that myself, and in AZ, no less). But it's very very hard, especially in this job market. Hopefully you live down in the Phoenix area that has many hospitals that offer new grad residency programs. I would say that you are fortunate that you are in a BSN program.

You may need to consider relocating to a different community in order to further your chances of getting a job in L&D right after graduation. Is that an option?

Other than that, my recommendation is to do well in your studies, and try to get a job somewhere in healthcare (as a CNA is a great option) while you're in school, both for the experience, as well as the networking opportunities.

No sugarcoating - I would say that it's far more likely that you will have to start out in another area of nursing before you are able to break into L&D.

momof3jboys · Apr 27, 2014

Thanks for your input, I don't necessarily feel that it is the only area that will satisfy me but I do think I will be most fulfilled there. I can't wait for my rotations in ED and Peds!! Thanks again for the advice...relocating might be an option when the time comes. :)

RunBabyRN · Apr 28, 2014

I agree, you would be wise to be open to whatever is available when you graduate. I know that here in CA, new grads almost never get hired into L&D, which is why I am going into postpartum (I have a job waiting for me when I am licensed). Look into the job market where you are for new grads. I know that in CA, it can take up to a year to find ANY job.

Also, a friendly heads up, you may want to change your photo and screen name to something more anonymous. You never know who you might come across on a public forum such as this, and anonymity is highly valued on AN! :)

amberdawn85 · Apr 28, 2014

Right now the new grad BSN market in the Phoenix is highly competitive . Take ANY job you can get. I've heard Chamberlain doesn't have the greatest reputation in terms of their graduates being placed . Just apply everywhere and eventually work into where you want to be.

momof3jboys · Apr 28, 2014

Hmmmm...I've heard just the opposite. Hopefully that's not the case. Thanks for the input.

queenanneslace, ADN, MSN, APRN, CNM · Apr 29, 2014

I would emphasize two things -

1) work where you can get work as a new RN

2) apply relentlessly for every OB/L&D/mother-baby position out there.

It could easily take a good year - this is what I was told, and found it to be very true - to get into your desired area of nursing.

And applying for jobs is a lot like fishing, most of the time you cast your line and get nothing back, but occasionally there's a nibble (your application is NOT instantly rejected the moment it's received). Sometimes you reel something halfway back to the boat (you get an interview with a human being - either on the phone or in person) And you keep fishing for the 'big one.' (your dream job)

Don't expect to land your dream job with your first application, or even within the first month or year out of school.

It will take a lot of work to get where you want to be. If maternity care is your passion - demonstrate this by bolstering your resume by doing workshops and continuing education in those areas - pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, well-woman, newborn care. Going to those workshops and CEU offerings are good ways to network, too.

momof3jboys · May 7, 2014

Excellent Advise! Thank you!! :)

smallnurse10 · May 7, 2014

I love L&D and felt that way before school, during school and after. I had to work on a telemetry floor for over a year before the L&D dept at my hospital would hire and train me. When I graduated in 2010, no one would hire a new grad on L&D and my floor still doesn't hire new grads. Don't be discouraged if you don't get your dream job right out of school. I learned a lot on the tele floor and do not regret that experience. Just apply like crazy and take any job you can get and then transfer to L&D when you can. Best of luck to you!

ladyk84 · May 16, 2014

Woohoo! Great program! I have a scholarship here after my RN! Work for a hospital as a tech! That's what I'd do. Or in AZ, they call it a CNA, but here in ALABAMA we can just walk on in and start in the ER doing ECG's, vitals, and blood draws without the $1,200 paid for a CNA. Talk to your program about their advice. NETWORKING IS AWESOME! Network network network! People are actually helpful when you show interest in their field and you seek their advice. That's how I landed my job.