Aspiring Labor and Delivery Nursing Student

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Dec 19, 2015

Most of the certifications require you to be an RN already. Can you volunteer at a hospital closer to you? Traveling that far to volunteer isn't really worth it. Personally, I would just concentrate on the upcoming classes and not put the cart before the buggy. These are things you can worry about down the road.

Good of luck on your classes!

Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN · Dec 19, 2015

I'm not sure they would allow volunteers at an NICU ...we weren't even allowed in that place as nursing students.

Katie71275 · Dec 19, 2015

Many hospitals hire nursing students as nurse techs and that's one way to get your foot in. Is the hospital you are interested in working at as a nurse he same one you are currently working as a cna at? Any chance you can get a cna position on labor and delivery? I went straight to LD after graduation and also am planning on becoming a nurse midwife. Feel free to message me.

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Dec 19, 2015

A lot of NICUs do use volunteers as cuddlers, especially units with a high drug withdrawl population. They only hold babies, no patient care.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2015

If I were you, I'd focus on school right now...

When you graduate, be willing to relocate to a rural or small town hospital that willingly hires new grad RNs directly into L&D or antepartum. Be ready to move anywhere in the country to amass that golden year of L&D experience.

I agree with the others who mentioned that crossing state lines to volunteer in L&D or NICU is a waste of your valuable time.

cassiemikes · Dec 20, 2015

I have family near the hospital I want to volunteer for it wont be bad to go visit them and do a little volunteering over my break this summer. My cousin also works in the NICU there as a charge Nurse.

LDAthleteNurse, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2015

If I were you, I'd focus on school right now...
When you graduate, be willing to relocate to a rural or small town hospital that willingly hires new grad RNs directly into L&D or antepartum. Be ready to move anywhere in the country to amass that golden year of L&D experience.
I agree with the others who mentioned that crossing state lines to volunteer in L&D or NICU is a waste of your valuable time.

This is great advice! I too, was once in your situation OP. I have a strong desire to work in Labor and Delivery and also have the strong desire to become a WHNP/CNM. I just graduated this December and a I already have a coveted job in L&D lined up for me. From what I've been told, it was a difficult position to grab and I was one of a few who got it. I have no hospital experience (other than clinicals) no volunteer hours (Other than CBSL) and no real connections. Here's how I did it:

1. I applied for NEW GRADUATE NURSE RESIDENCY positions in L&D at Large hospitals in big cities within my state.

2. I was willing to relocate. The position I got is 90 miles away from the city I lived in surrounded by family while in nursing school.

3. I started much earlier than everyone else. Most new graduate residencies applications have deadlines. I filled out the paper work and had all my ducks in a row BEFORE hand so that all my applications were submitted within the first week of the application period.

4. At the very beginning of your last semester, be sure to ask a few instructors (maybe 2 or 3 that you have developed a positive relationship with) to write you a letter of recommendation. Get this done EARLY because if you wait too late, these instructors will likely be doing letters for other students and this would put a time constraint on getting your application in within that first week.

5. At my interview, I was very organized and very confident, being sure to highlight my positive attributes and relay my strong desire to be a part of a team. PRINT ALL OF YOUR DOCUMENTS ON RESUME PAPER! The panel made a comment on how wonderfully presented my paperwork was and I believe that impressed them. I also think I sold them on the fact that I long to work with a great team and am looking forward to working synergistically with the interdisciplinary team to provide excellent care and service to my patients.

I had 3 offers from 3 major hospitals to choose from, I went with the one that I felt fit me and my goals better (pay is really good for a new grad, too.)

Don't stress about it too much, focus on getting through nursing school and keeping that GPA up (most new grad residencies require a GPA of 3.0+) and passing that HESI or whatever exit exam you all have to take. Early in your last semester, Apply for the position you want and it will likely fall into your lap if you remain proactive and dilligent. Good luck mama!