changing nursing specialty

[AKARB62318]

Hi everyone,

RN with almost 5yrs experience here, looking to get a position in labor and delivery with no l&d experience. Previously I worked in dialysis and right now in home health. I've always wanted to work in l&d but positions have required some experience so I never applied. Recently, I've been contemplating my nursing career and realized I'm not entirely fulfilled with my current position and would love to work in labor and delivery. I don't have any hospital experience and I'm afraid that will hurt my chances, however I don't want to let that keep me from going for it. I'm a fast learner and I've learned many skills since becoming a nurse, especially in home health it's almost like a med-surge step down (if there was such a thing). My question is, is there anything that I can do on my own to increase my chances of landing this position. I've been looking at CEU's and books on L&D so far. Any advice would be extremely appreciated! 

[Davey Do]

We often put our desire to elevate our sense of self worth before the bottom line, which is to make money and pay our way.

And often times, we end up chasing rainbows, find there is no pot of gold at the end before we realize- if we ever do- that true happiness comes with being at peace with who we are, and not what dream job we hold.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Have you applied and been told you don't have the experience? Of course everyone wants experienced applicants, but if those that apply don't have experience they are often willing to train people. I think you should start applying and see where it gets you. If you are turned down from numerous applications then maybe you need to worry about some kind of training, but everyone had to start somewhere. I know two people that recently went from Med Surg to L&D with no experience and they're both happy there. Good luck. 

[Lauren Overbay, ADN, BSN]

I am also in the same position.  I'm a Hospice RN looking to get back into Acute care.  My only acute care was in nursing school! I'll let you know if anyone comments anything helpful on my thread.

[OUxPhys, BSN, RN]

It's possible. You just have to find the L&D unit that is willing to invest the time and training to train you. Unfortunately nowadays most places don't want to do that and it isn't right.