Finding an L&D position

[rastanursern, MSN]

I'm a new grad RN, whose passion is to become a midwife. I want to work in L&D. I have experience as an Lpn on a Mother/baby unit. I'm finding it difficult to attain a position in L&D in a NY hospital, as a new grad RN. I know it's possible as a new grad to work in L&D. Is there any way to get around the "we don't really put new grads in L&D" line that I've been hearing? Any advice is welcomed. Thanks!

[crissrn27, RN]

I would think that it would be a little easier for you, since you do have hospital experience, and especially since it was in mother/baby. Most hospitals around here like 1 year of hospital experience for L and d, and they don't care if it was as a LPN or RN!

I say keep applying, and really hype up your time as a mother/baby nurse.

[BethT]

I had a friend that was trying to do the same thing right after school and the hospital she is working at just required she do 6 months in OB receiving before transferring up to L & D.

[jenrninmi, MSN, RN]

Hi! I had the same problem as a new grad. I did end up doing med/surg for a year. That year went fast, and I learned a lot. Now, I've been doing my dream job (L&D) for over a year! I do not regret at all working med/surg first. Good luck to you! You may need to relocate if your not willing to go to med/surg. Keep us updated!

:cheers:

[mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP]

I know how frustrating that can be to want your dream job but keep having roadblocks thrown in your path. The best advice I can give you is to get some experince as an RN and keep on applying. No experience you get prior to L&D will be wasted.

Our facilities OB department goes through rounds where it is VERY tough to get a job and then she can't find anyone the next round to even apply. She also tends to hire from within the system so unless you already work there, she won't even consider you.

Maybe you can find a job in the facility you want to work in and then just keep applying for L&D jobs as they come open and transfer from within.

Good luck!!!!!

[evergr33n16]

I worked at Cornell (UES) and we hired new grads all of the time.

[RNBelle]

maybe work postpartum or antepartum at the hospital where you want to be in the l&d. you will then have your foot well in the door and can transfer over to l&d.