High School Student

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2014

Yes, nurses with a BSN (4 year) can work in labor/delivery (maternity). As well, nurses with an ADN/ASN (2 year) can work that unit.

Nurses with higher degrees than BSN normally don't work on the floor. They tend to be nurse managers, directors, professors etc.

That being said, its not easy to graduate with an ADN/ASN or BSN and walk right into a labor/delivery unit. Its a unit that a lot of people want to work in. That's not saying a brand new nurse with no experience can't get a job there, just saying its difficult. I'd hate for you to think its easy to get a job there and then find out after you graduate that you can't seem to get a position there. :)

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2014

HI! Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!

Nursing in the US is a generalist education. We study all areas of nursing. Most facilities in this job market are hiring only BSN graduates. Application/acceptance to nursing programs is very competitive....what are you taking in high school?

There is no guarantee of employment in any specialty after graduation. It is very difficult as a new grad to get hired into an area of specialty like OB/L&D. Most specialty units prefer experience in med surg nursing first.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2014

The statement that BSN nurses are management hiring is not really true any longer with the push for all BSN entry. MOST facilities in the US are advertising for BSN grads for bedside nurses.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2014

The statement that BSN nurses are management hiring is not really true any longer with the push for all BSN entry. MOST facilities in the US are advertising for BSN grads for bedside nurses.

Were you speaking of my post Esme? If so, I think you misunderstood what I was saying. I had said that nurses with degrees higher than BSN are usually not floor nurses and tend to be management and educators.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2014

It's possible for you to work in any area of nursing that will hire you. Maternity jobs are difficult to obtain right out of school, the best way to increase your odds of securing one is to either A) work as tech on such a floor while in school and/or B) complete your senior preceptorship on such a floor.

ORNurseCOS · Dec 21, 2014

Hello - you have restored my faith in the younger generation, your parents should get a medal.

Serious kudos to you for making this declaration and setting out to pursue this at such a young age.

I can tell right now you will be successful in whatever you do.

4 yr BSN will get you there but I say go M.D.

If you are this young and know what you want already, I say go all the way with it!

I wish you all the best!

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Dec 21, 2014

Hello - you have restored my faith in the younger generation, your parents should get a medal.
Serious kudos to you for making this declaration and setting out to pursue this at such a young age.
I can tell right now you will be successful in whatever you do.
4 yr BSN will get you there but I say go M.D.
If you are this young and know what you want already, I say go all the way with it!
I wish you all the best!

Nursing is completely different than going to be a doctor. Yeah, it sounds like she knows what she wants to do so what was the point of saying to "go MD"?

RunBabyRN · Dec 21, 2014

Hello - you have restored my faith in the younger generation, your parents should get a medal.
Serious kudos to you for making this declaration and setting out to pursue this at such a young age.
I can tell right now you will be successful in whatever you do.
4 yr BSN will get you there but I say go M.D.
If you are this young and know what you want already, I say go all the way with it!
I wish you all the best!

HUH? Two completely different paths, and MDs don't spend nearly the time with OB patients that nurses do. I can assure you that I have spent a TON more time with my patients teaching them how to breastfeeding their little ones and reassuring them their birthmarks are normal and will probably fade and getting to know their families than any physician. Statements like this completely MINIMIZE nurses as a professional group.

OP, be aware that the market right now in most places is tough, and you may not get into OB nursing for a few years, or you may. You'll have to get your BSN, and start working on certifications in order to apply for nursing jobs (or at least to be an attractive candidate). A couple of things that may help you in the job front (not that there are EVER guarantees) would be to get doula certified and lactation specialist certified and work doing these things while you're in school. I don't know how old you have to be to start, but these can easily be Googled. The fact that I have lactation experience has made me VERY attractive to postpartum units, especially ones with the Baby Friendly designation (another thing to Google!).

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2014

Hello - you have restored my faith in the younger generation, your parents should get a medal.
Serious kudos to you for making this declaration and setting out to pursue this at such a young age.
I can tell right now you will be successful in whatever you do.
4 yr BSN will get you there but I say go M.D.
If you are this young and know what you want already, I say go all the way with it!
I wish you all the best!

This was the most infuriating piece of advice I ever received when I was in high school applying for nursing schools. OP did not say she wants to be an OBGYN, she said she wants to be a nurse working in Maternity, WHY would you then tell her to be an MD?