Best area of nursing prior to OB

[nursewifie, ASN]

I am a student nurse, and I know I am very interested in OB nursing.

What is the best nursing to go into as a graduate nurse to gain my clinical skills for 1-2 years prior to shifting into the specialty? Anything that stands out as a good foundation for OB?

[ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN]

I mean, there is no reason not to go straight into OB if you can snag a job there. I work with plenty of nurses who started in OB as new grads and they didn't have a problem. But if you are finding it hard to get an interview in OB due to lack of experience, med surg is a great place to learn time management and basic nursing skills. I worked on a surgical unit that got hysterectomy patients (as well as all kinds of other surgical pts, like ortho, general, urology, podiatry, plastics, etc). It helped that I was familiar with post op patients, but it definitely wasn't a necessary step in becoming an OB nurse.

My boss also likes hiring ER and ICU nurses into L&D. They are both used to the fast pace that is common in labor.

[klone, MSN, RN]

A post-surgical unit would be great, because OB often takes post-surgical patients (C/S as well as hysts and other gyn surgeries).

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

Go straight into OB

[klone, MSN, RN]

Go straight into OB

Yeah, I actually agree with this more. If you want to work in OB, the best way to train you to be the best OB nurse is to work in OB. :)

[Purplebodhi]

I just got hired as a new grad in L&D. I got certifications in NRP, fetal monitoring, STABLe and ACLS. I also joined AWONN. Getting the certifications and joining a professional association demonstrated my commitment to the specialty. So go straight into OB if that is what you really want to do!