Certification w/o OB experience?

[LoveANurse09]

I would love to become an OB nurse, but like others I am having trouble finding the jobs! I would like to keep learning though and wonder if there are any certs I can do, without having any previous experience? I would be studying of course.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

I doubt you can get any specialty certification without actually working the job. My two took 5 years and 3 years experience before I could apply.

ANCC Nurse Certification - American Nurses Credentialing Center - ANCC

ABNS - American Board of Nursing Specialties

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

Most specialty certifications require 2 years of experience.

[klone, MSN, RN]

You could get your NRP and ACLS certification. You could get a CLC or IBCLC certification.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

I think the question referred to specialty certifications.

[LoveANurse09]

Thanks. I have looked into CLC one program is coming to my area next year. I think NRP will probably be the next step for me as I already have ACLS.

I am an AWHONN member and try to attend updates and conferences at my hospital when I can. I'm also thinking about getting involved in chapter meetings. Any ideas on how/if I can incorporate this into a resume?

Babyktchr- Being a NM, would this be anything that would catch your eye in an application?

Thanks everyone, I'm trying to vamp up my resume and make myself more marketable.

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

You have to have a minimum of 2 years experience before you can sit for the certification exam.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I think the question referred to specialty certifications.

CLC/IBCLC is a specialty certification.

[MrsEd]

CLC/IBCLC is a specialty certification.

I just wanted to point out the CLC and IBCLC are not the same thing. If you're interested in becoming a lactation educator which is essentially the same thing as a CLC (certified lactation counselor), you can take an online course through UCSD Extension - that's where I got my certfication - it was a great program. An IBCLC is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and has to meet all the qualifications to sit for the exam (which I'll hopefully pass next year).

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

Honestly, it has been a while since I have had to look at resumes and such. No one leave my unit. Its hard when you don't have experience to try to catch a break. I was one of those people who did catch a break, and 15 years later I am running the unit. It is really a lot of right timing and how you present yourself. I see so many people who say OB is my life and then they get their chance and all of a sudden its...well maybe its not.

I give more weight to new grads who have been externs on my unit. They have actually worked on the unit and know what the flow is, how the nurses work and how the unit runs for the most part. I would also look at what your previous work history was within your nursing career. Critical thinking skills are something I really, really look for in a new hire.

Its difficult to get certifications and other training if you are not in the OB field. I don't know about anyone else's unit, but we do not offer NRP to anyone that doesn't actively work in OB, Peds, ED or Resp. One thing you can do is take the AWHONN online basic fetal monitoring course. It is very basic and will give you a nice foundation to fetal monitoring. That I would look at favorably.

It is a tough arena to break into. It all comes down to being impressive and convincing your prospective employer that he/she should take a chance on you. Focus on what you can bring to the unit and really convince me why I should take the chance on you. Your passion will shine thru more than simply saying that I just want to be an OB nurse. I hear that too many times. Be unique, but be you.

I don't know if this helps..but good luck to you.

[LoveANurse09]

Thanks so much.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I just wanted to point out the CLC and IBCLC are not the same thing.

Yes, I apologize if my posts implied otherwise. As an IBCLC, I'm very aware that they are not the same thing.