Entry into Labor and Delivery

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Jul 13, 2011

I am two months shy of completing my first year of nursing. I have worked on a med/surg unit in pediatrics. My passion is for Labor and Delivery and despite my best attempts to get in straight from nursing school I was unable and given the suggestion of completing one year of med/surg first for experience. As I get closer to my year mark I can't stand my excitement of the potential for entering labor and delivery. However, as I have been keeping my eye on the postings for labor and delivery I have not seen many that will accept even one year of experience. Any advice/suggestions? I have considered picking up hours at an obgyn clinic to try and get exposure and experience that way as well but have also been having trouble finding available jobs. I am in Denver, CO and any suggestions I am completely open to. My goal is to eventually obtain a CNM so that adds to my desire to start my career in L&D asap. Thanks!

I stared in L&D right after graduation. When I was in school I attended a second college and took extra nursing classes (once in summer and once in winter) which were preceptorships. I precepted in L&D (in the hospital I work at now actually). I also became a certified doula. I got my NRP as well. I busted my hump and graduated with honors; which might have helped. I do not know what to suggest if all positions say they want experience first. Does your hospital float to other departments? My friend use to work M/S and would float down to our department when we were really busy and they were really slow. She made a good impression so when an opening became available they actually went looking for her.

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Jul 13, 2011

I only have 3 months med/surg under my belt and just landed a per diem L&D position. The hosptial where I got this job is one that I previously applied to as a new grad for previous open L&D positions-and they wouldn't even look at me. Once I had some med/surg under my belt, they called me in to interview.

I say start applying. You never know and 8 months of med/surg certainly will look good in your favor.

Best of luck!