going from graduation to L&D

zahryia, LPN · Jun 26, 2008

I wrote earlier asking if all hospitals only hire nurses that have had med/surge experience (I am precepting at a hospital that does this) but just found out that at least one other hospital doesn't require this and hires new grads. Do you have any tips to make me more desirable than other new grads that might be applying for the same position? I am a doula working on my certification (one more birth), I have taken a beginning midwifery course; which I am getting college credit for as a independent study course since I took it privately though a LM, and I am currently doing a preceptorship in L&D and am thinking of doing it again the the winter. I am also trying to get signed up to take a NRP class in July (my preceptor is actually teaching it, I will be out of town for four days so hopefully she does not teach the class then) and am signed up to take ALS in the fall. Is there anything else I can do to make my resume shine more than the next person's?

Geez, if that doesn't do it, I don't know what will. Perhaps you could join AWHONN, but other than that, I think you have it covered.

P.S. I'd probably take out the midwifery information. Depending on the hospital, they may not look favorably on that for various reasons.

TRINI_RN · Jun 28, 2008

Wow!

I agree, what else could they possibly want?! I would suggest reading over your resume a few times looking for typos and grammar errors. Also, don't forget to write a dazzling cover letter outlining all of that great experience that you've been getting to prepare for the position. Sounds like you're well on your way to L&D, good luck!

feminist-mama · Jun 28, 2008

P.S. I'd probably take out the midwifery information. Depending on the hospital, they may not look favorably on that for various reasons.

I'm a new grad hired into L&D with midwifery experience and I was told (several times actually!) by my manager that the midwifery experience is why she hired me!

ETA: Is there any need for a specific language where you live? I speak Spanish and that was a big deal during my interview too. Good luck!

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Jun 29, 2008

does anyone know about getting certified in EFM? Do you have to have your RN first for it to count? (I have one year of my BSN left, but time flies so I am trying to get my ducks in a row early)

zahryia, LPN · Jun 30, 2008

I'm a new grad hired into L&D with midwifery experience and I was told (several times actually!) by my manager that the midwifery experience is why she hired me!
ETA: Is there any need for a specific language where you live? I speak Spanish and that was a big deal during my interview too. Good luck!

Yeah, that's why I said it depends on the hospital. I can see some unit managers being worried that the applicant might want to be a 'chief' rather than a native american. :coollook:

During my interview, I told management that I wanted to be a midwife, but had I already taken courses in it, they might've looked at me cross-eyed.

Anywho, to the OP, stop taking all these OB related courses. You're covered! Just concentrate on finishing your last year of school. Everything else will come when you are hired as an OB nurse.

And based on your background, I have no doubt that you'll be hired straight into an OB floor.

Just keep on studying and remember that the other topics you learn in school might be helpful in practicing on the OB floor, so just relax and do well in your other courses.

P.S. I realize I just said to focus on your other classes, but also look at your leadership potential. All nurse managers like effective leaders.