getting into L&D

[purplepanda]

I'm in an ADN program, to graduate in December. I was just wanting to get a general opinion on how hard it is to get into L&D (that's where I want to specialize, and eventually become a CNM), and what can I do to help my case? I'm precepting in L&D, so I suppose that's a start, but is there anything else I can do to pad my resume? Because I hear it's a pretty competitive field.

[allthingsbright]

Start networking and applying NOW. Seriously, the more visible you are early on, the better your chances. Talk to the nurse manager where you are doing your preceptorship. Let her know you awant OB and ONLY OB.

I started by calling recruiters, asking around about which hospitals take new grads. I was very specific that I wanted OB and nothing else. And yes, I applied for every OB position I saw open, new grad or not. Also, I apllied for OB tech jobs when I saw them (never got one--they are competitive, too).

It worked! Got my dream job in L&D. Best wishes!

[purplepanda]

Thanks! I'll start doing that. But, when you say apply... apply to what? There really aren't any openings that I even qualify for (just RN, which I don't have yet!), except maybe L&D Tech... but those open up MAYBE once or twice a year.

I will definitely talk to the nurse manager when I do my preceptorship, though. I was already planning on it. It's the last thing before I graduate, so it would be very convenient to go from being there and working as a student to working as an RN maybe a month later, if even.

Thanks for your help!! Your situation gives me hope.

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

thanks! i'll start doing that. but, when you say apply... apply to what? there really aren't any openings that i even qualify for (just rn, which i don't have yet!), except maybe l&d tech... but those open up maybe once or twice a year.

i will definitely talk to the nurse manager when i do my preceptorship, though. i was already planning on it. it's the last thing before i graduate, so it would be very convenient to go from being there and working as a student to working as an rn maybe a month later, if even.

thanks for your help!! your situation gives me hope.

if you wait until you graduate and take your boards (when you're actually an rn) to apply for rn jobs, all of the coveted positions (this includes anything in maternal/child) will be taken! you want to apply for the rn job. it's not to early if you're graduating in december. also, sometimes the easiest way to get into the specialties with high retention, like l & d, is through your preceptorship. don't just count on that, however.

wish you the best!

jess

[allthingsbright]

I applied for all the RN positions I could find. Yes, before I graduated. I was told by a recruiter to do it that way and it worked.

Good luck!