Career Suicide??

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hello all.

I want to work in L&D, that is all I want to do.

I went to nursing school already knowing I wanted to be an L&D nurse.

I should find out around Wednesday if I am getting hired....

It is hard to get in as a new grad, since many hospitals don't hire them.

So here is my question.

If I can't get into L&D, I don't want to work in med /surg because I can't stand it (even though I know it would be good experience).

Would it be career suicide to work in a doctor's office or clinic as a new grad (or some type of out patient setting).

I'm afraid that if I try to get into L&D later, then anything other than hospiital experience won't be good enough.

???

Specializes in L&D, Ambulatory Care.

Yes.

At 3 hospitals that hire new grads.

The first 2 have already hired experienced nurses; the 3rd one I have not heard anything yet because they had an "overwhelming response" and she is still interviewing.

:(

Melissa, I live in CT & maybe I can help. I'm emailing you personally. I work in a large hospital (maybe you've applied there). Be patient. Polish your resume. Be persistent -- have you followed up after your interviews with a personal note? Have you called the managers back & followed up? I know for a fact that many of the large hospitals do hire new grads into most areas -- you should be able to call the shots. Worst case scenario, you can always start out on another floor & transfer. But I really believe that you should start out WHERE you want -- and if OB - L&D is your dream -- then go for it. Best of luck to you. We certainly need more enthusiastic nurses. FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS:D

Specializes in LDRP; Education.

Melissa-

Follow SusanMary's advice. (love that name) :)

Follow up and don't give up. Send thank you notes, etc and I don't know if looking at other neighboring cities might help.

Specializes in L&D, Ambulatory Care.

As a rule HH doesn't hire new grads into L&D.

Sometimes they make an exception.

If they do, they will most likely hire a peer of mine, who is doing her clinical there.

I have done my followup homework too.

We will see what happens. I'm doing my best to end up in L&D.

I also interviewed for antepartum, which would be better than med/surg to me.

Sounds like you are covering your bases & doing all the right steps. Antepartum might be a way into the door at HH -- the women's health department is excellent (trust me.) I'd follow up. Routinely. Check their website regularly as there are always positions posted in women's health. FYI -- don't ASSUME anything -- just because your peer is doing her clinical there does NOT mean she has an edge over you. From your postings, you sound very intelligent & dedicated. It ain't over yet......:D

Specializes in L&D, Ambulatory Care.

Thank you Susanmary.

You're welcome. I'm going to bed now. Check your email.

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