Getting a job in L & D/Mother Baby

JB2007, ASN, RN · Mar 4, 2009

Just go ahead and apply anyway. Most managers would perfer experience, but in the long run they want someone that will work well on their unit. What is the worst they can tell you? Sorry, but we want someone with experience. Better to try for the job you want and be told no then to not try and wonder what if... Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 5, 2009

i agree with the above poster. also, if you are unable to find a job, in the mean time try to gain some experience even if it is not paid work experience. try volunteering in areas of women and children in your hospital or in the community. also join the nurses association attached with the specialty to gain further knowledge, as well as, the local nurses association to gain contacts. i too am working outside my area of interest, but i am a new grad and have not had the opportunity to try this out in nursing (i am broke right now). however, i have experience in other career fields and found this to work for me in the past. gl! :up:

--future emergency trauma nurse

APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP · Mar 5, 2009

LOL!!! I thought this posting was about getting a toilet in the L&D!! (no offense intended over the misspelling)

I just had a good laugh at myself when I figured out that it was getting a JOB in L&D! Thanks.

allnurses Guide · Mar 5, 2009

LOL!!! I thought this posting was about getting a toilet in the L&D!! (no offense intended over the misspelling)
I just had a good laugh at myself when I figured out that it was getting a JOB in L&D! Thanks.

Don't feel bad . . . my mind was in the gutter. (Jon as in "John" or "client"). :rolleyes:

I agree with the other posters. Apply anyway - sometimes you'll be surprised.

You can also take other classes pertaining to L&D . . . .like newborn assessment and breastfeeding.

steph

APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP · Mar 5, 2009

Ohh that is TOOOOO funny!!! I didn't think of THAT! Now I'm laughing even more!!

:chuckle

Don't feel bad . . . my mind was in the gutter. (Jon as in "John" or "client").
I agree with the other posters. Apply anyway - sometimes you'll be surprised.
You can also take other classes pertaining to L&D . . . .like newborn assessment and breastfeeding.
steph

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Mar 5, 2009

Title fixed. :)

allnurses Guide · Mar 5, 2009

Title fixed. :)

Thanks - gotta nip those rude posters in the bud. :coollook:

steph

seemerun · Mar 12, 2009

i agree with the above poster. also, if you are unable to find a job, in the mean time try to gain some experience even if it is not paid work experience. try volunteering in areas of women and children in your hospital or in the community. also join the nurses association attached with the specialty to gain further knowledge, as well as, the local nurses association to gain contacts. i too am working outside my area of interest, but i am a new grad and have not had the opportunity to try this out in nursing (i am broke right now). however, i have experience in other career fields and found this to work for me in the past. gl!
--future emergency trauma nurse

does anyone know if this works? i was thinking about seeing if i could set up a volunteer clinical/preceptorship on the unit i want to work at, but i'm not sure if that sort of thing is ever done? i'm not a student anymore so i would just be setting this up on my own with the unit and not through school.

also, does anyone know if it is helpful to take classes like newborn assessment or fhm? i am also thinking about signing up for these classes but i'm not sure if it would carry much weight if i haven't had the opportunity to put them into practice.

thanks!!

Drakebrn · Mar 12, 2009

Some facilities allow you to crosstrain into another area, even encourage it! You keep your regular position with the unit your on and orient to a new unit gaining experience in a new area. We encourage our L&D nurses to crosstrain to the NICU to get more experience with acute babies. It also gives you an opportunity to test the waters before making a full commitment. Talk with your nurse manager, it might be an option for you. :up:

obgoddess · Mar 21, 2009

I went into OB as a graduate nurse without any experience what so ever. It was a very small hospital close to where I was living and they were always having probs staffing. So i guess it depends on the hospital and how badly they need help. Orientation was at least six months.