Class time while orienting for maternal/child?

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Specializes in ICU, OR.

Hello L&D/PP/NBN nurses!

I am wondering, during orientation for maternal/child nursing, are there usually classes involved? And how long is the orientation period? I know when I took a critical care course in the past, it was 12 weeks, with class time mixed with clinical orientation. And I have looked into some NICU jobs, and know they involve class time mixed with clinical times as well. I am looking into a possible maternal/child job and am curious as to how much time I would be training etc. Thanks!

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Specializes in L&D/Antepartum, Neuro.

I work in L&D and in my unit the orientation is appr. 12wks. One week of class time, one week of scrubbing (not nearly enough time) and the rest is working with a preceptor.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

When I first started my job in mother-baby/nursery, I oriented for about 3 mo part-time (so would have been more like 6 weeks FT). But I wasn't a new nurse, and had already had baby experience so wasn't 'hot off the grill.' I did have two days of class a basic mother/baby class (couplet care, OB/neonatal emergencies, EFM for antepartums) and a breastfeeding class. I felt ok with that level of orientation, but it's longer for new grads.

If you are orienting to L/D as well, would ask for a longer orientation, at least 12-16 weeks, and after that, still be paired with a 'resource nurse.' That's my .02, anyway. Good luck! :)

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Specializes in ICU, OR.

Thank you for sharing your experiences! That is what I figured, a long orientation with classes and that is important to do. Glad I know a little what to expect schedule-wise. Hopefully I will be able to discuss this with a potential employer soon!

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