Finding a job in L&D?

[crackle]

I am currently a sophomore in a 4 year nursing program, ranked one of the best in new england. I will be graduating with a BSN and I am currently in the process of being trained as a doula. My dream is to get a dual degree as a nurse midwife and a women's health NP and ideally I want to work with underprivileged or at risk women. But in order to get there i first will need L&D experience. I know it's in a few years but how hard is it for a new grad to get a job in L&D? I live in Boston but I would be willing to go anywhere, even Alaska, to get an L&D job.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Try and get a tech job in L&D in a local hospital. (I'm not sure how many of these jobs exist). Don't mention your future plans about being a nurse midwife and they may hire you if they like you enough!

[itsnowornever, BSN, RN]

If you get a tech job do it well! I absolutely LOVE my OB Techs!!!! They are awesome and do so many things all seemingly without my knowing. Cancel them and the shift is similar to H-E-Double hockey sticks!!!!

[dariah]

Just like you said, be willing to go anywhere. Hard to say what the job market will be like when you graduate, so keep an open mind and realize that more and more, L&D floors are not willing to hire new grads anymore. My floor is taking it a step further and now requiring all nurses to not only be experienced, but also NCC certified and have ACLS.

Maybe take med-surg for a year if you get an offer, and just keep applying for a transfer whenever there is an opening. Usually it is easier to transfer within the hospital than start from the outside in.