Getting to OB...

[tugirl12]

When I said that I wanted to do nursing I knew that I wanted to do something in the women's health areas. Once I completed my ob rotation I was 100%sure it was what I wanted. While I was in school I did all of my papers and projects on issues that are found in women's health just to show im interested and increase my knowledge.I also did an externship on a busy labor and delivery floor and I still did not get a job in women's health. I even applied to every hospital in town with an opening in postpartum or l&d and still did not get the job. I graduated may started working on a medical telemetry floor in July

Because I was pregnant my orientation was until I delivered in october and was on maternity leave for 2 months.. I just went back monday but I feel like I'm counting down the days until my 6 months is up on the floor so I can transfer which from start date would be in January but for experience I would need to stay until like march. I am wanting advice.

I will have skills if I stay in med-surg but if I know I don't want to stay what's the point? I want to talk to the managers of these areas but I dont want to overstep my boundaries so I'm wanting to know what I should do especially since the hospital I work for likes experience in these areas before you come? And if there are any ob managers that answer my question; how much time do feel is adequate for a new grad to stay in med-surg before coming to the ob world?

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

I believe those managers will want you to have solid MS skills to be considered so get that and then also get PALS & take a course so you can read (OB not cardiac)strips etc which will show you are serious about OB.

Also, paragraphs are much easier for your readers....

[tugirl12]

Sorry about the paragraphs I tried fixing it I'm typing with one hand while the kid sleeps in my other arm.

Thanks for the input I guess I'm not being very patient and I want what I want right now. I know that ms will teach me things like time management and assessment skills and priority setting, which all 3 are important in an area like l&d.

I think I am rushing because I thought about school but I have not been able to work ob my specialty of choice.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

You are doing great for one handed typing!

Just remember that OB is a hugely popular specialty & they are going to be picky. So do the things that will make you the most attractive candidate & resign yourself to the fact that unless you have a networking stroke of luck it will probably take much longer than you thing and you will need a great reference from your current boss.