OB nursing

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello I wanted to know more about Labor and Delivery nursing. I've heard that it is realy hard to start out in L&B as a new grad nurse is this true? What could I do to try and get a job as a new grad in Labor and Delivery? :)

I think it is difficult to get into any "specialty" area as a new grad.

My best advice to you would be to attempt to work on post partum after graduating. Get some valuable experience as well as getting to know people. If you are still interested after a year or so see about a transfer then.:

I'd have to disagree; because there's such a shortage, you can pretty much go where you want as a new grad. (Of course, there may be differences af far as what part of the country you're in too?)

I just graduated in May, and went right to ER. Almost everyone in my class went into specialty areas right out of school; LD, CIU, ICUs, psych, you name it.

I do think it's a great idea to work as a nurse tech/intern (or whatever your hospital may call it) while in school in the area that you're interested in. It gives you a good chance to see if you really like the area. Also, it gets your foot in the door as far as knowing staff, policies, etc. There were four of my classmates who worked as interns in LD while in school; two decided it wasn't for them, and the other two are now working there as new grads.

Hint!

if you are in school now and are precepting in your last quarter or semester, find a hospital and a preceptor in the specialty area. During your preceptorship, build a relationship with those around you and you shouldn't have any problem getting a job there in that specialty.

Lisa:cool:

gabby2000

PS I just started in maternal/child in the hospital I started out in nursing 14 years ago! I LOVE IT!

LISA:D

Okay, speaking as a labor and delivery nurse here...

I usually advise people to start out on postpartum, then segue into L&D from there. I think it's wise.

HOWEVER, the other posters are right, there IS a shortage, and you can probably get a job in L&D pretty easily, especially at a large teaching hospital.

I must caution you, though...sometimes labor and delivery nurses can be the eat-the-young types. Even as an experienced labor nurse, I still had to 'prove' myself on the unit where I currently work when I first started there. Yes, most of us are laid back and fun and approachable...you kind of HAVE to be that way with all the crazy stuff we see. If you want it, go for it. Be prepared to feel overwhelmed for about 1 year minimum, but also be prepared to LOVE what you do. And always, ALWAYS ask for help or a second opinion if you're unsure of yourself.

You know what kind of person you are. If you're a fast learner, think well on your feet, and don't freak in a crisis, labor and delivery as a new grad might suit you perfectly. If you're a slow learner who needs some time to develop organizational skills and learn pathophys, and tends to get 'brain lock' in a crisis, please work on postpartum for a year FIRST and get your feet wet. That way, you'll have a year to get your skills and critical thinking established so you're ready to jump in with both feet to labor and delivery.

Good luck in whatever you decide!!

Kristina

Personally, as an experienced L&D nurse, I feel that you need to get a year working in a Med-Surg area before specializing in OB. You need to expand your self-confidence, your overall nursing skills and your organizational skills. As a L&D nurse you need to be organized, quick-thinking and able to make decisions in a second, OB patients do have med-surg problems and a base knowledge is needed to deal with this. At whatever stage of your post-graduate career you do decide to go into OB look for a Unit with at least a 6 month internship to give you a base level of knowledge n the area before throwing you to to the "Lions..."

I must agree with kday--and--she stated it all very well. You will not go wrong if you follow her advise.

The only thing I can think of to add is to keep up with the area of L&D because it is very dynamic. If the nurses in your L&D are the friendly type you may even be able to get them to help you start learning how to read fetal heart rate patterns. Most L&D nurses are happy to teach any nurse that shows a true interest in that area. Attending seminars is always a help also.

Good Luck

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