Interested in Becoming a L&D Nurse

[dcort16]

Hello, I am a high school student and for three years now, I have been extremely interested in going to nursing school and becoming a L&D nurse. I observed a L&D nurse at a hospital about a year ago, and it was the best experience of my life. As days go on I begin to think about if I really want to do that for the rest of my life, and I get scared thinking about if I become a nurse and it is not right for me. Any advice???

[guest769224]

Get your CNA and get a job in a labor and delivery unit as a tech

Ultimate way to determine if it's for you. You'll see what the RNs do.

[Farawyn]

Hi! That's great that you have an inkling of what you want to do. I had no idea at your age.

I would suggest volunteering at a hospital so get the feel for the place, becoming CPR certified, then as ICUman suggested, try to get a job as a CNA. Nursing school is competitive, so make sure your grade are up.

Best of luck!

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

For those interested in L&D nursing, I am starting to post this blog as a reply:

https://cervixwithasmile.wordpress.com/2015/10/03/the-happiest-job-on-earth/

Keep your grades up. Get your CNA or MA and see if you can work on an L&D unit or in an OBGYN office. Make friends with nurses, midwives, docs, etc. In the time you spend around them, take all the advice and soak in all the info you can. Keep shadowing and spending time on L&D units. If you have the funds available (or a generous sponsor in your life!), you might consider training as a doula before you start nursing school. That will give you a really good idea of the birthing process before you get into the nursing/technical medical side of L&D.