Community to OB Nursing

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I graduated as an RN last year and, although I applied to many acute positions, I have been working in the community ever since. I am in an administrative position.......the most nursing skills I use is to teach PSWs to apply compression stockings or apply a medicated cream. A position recently opened up at the hospital here and I am ecstatic.. I really want to start a career doing nursing - especially since it is in my dream place. Labour and delivery/post-partum. I took a neonatal resuscitation course last year when I hoped to get on in a hospital after graduated however that's the extent of my knowledge. I can't start an IV (was not taught in school, should have learned in placement however was unlucky enough to get psych and had no opportunity to learn), I do not know how to complete a lady partsl exam, I do not know how to care for someone with an epidural, I don't know anything about fetal monitoring....... I have an interview next week and I am so scared they will ask me about all of these things I don't know. I am more than willing to take phlebotomy and fetal monitoring course but will my not already having these skills be a huge deal breaker? I am trying to prepare for the interview by reading up on common emergencies/situations that they may ask behavioural questions about but I am so nervous. Can anyone offer any insight to whether I am reaching too far or if I still have a chance? Or if I should be doing other things to prepare? Thank you!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Is the position for an experienced OB RN, or is it a training position? This would be a good question for the interviewers if you don't already know.

One of the things I hear a lot from managers is that they can teach you the skills, but that can't teach someone to be teachable, to be enthusiastic, passionate, empathetic, how to use good judgment, etc. It's more about YOU than your skills, more often than not. Show them that you are capable of critical thinking, doing what's best for the patient, even if you don't agree with their life choices, how you've advocated for patients (go back to nursing school if needed). Take some time to think about a variety of situations you've had with patients. One questions I've heard a lot that can be tough to answer is telling them about a time you made a mistake and what you learned from it. They want to see that you own your mistakes and learn from them. Let them know, too, that you are willing to take those courses if needed (though they may put you through those courses- ask!).

I hope this helps! Good luck with your interview!!

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Thank you so much RunBabyRN. Your response actually helped a lot.. I really am eager to learn and I hope that comes through in my interview tomorrow. I'll spend tonight thinking about situations I've dealt with in school/the past few months in the community that may help demonstrate my abilities if asked. Thanks again - you helped to calm my nerves!!

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I'm sort of in the same boat - I took a job in a doctor's office out of school (I was lucky to get ANY job in my location). Now I am wanting to go back to hospital nursing, especially OB, but have little hands on nursing experience. SO, I'm interested in how your interview went? Any luck?!?!?

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