How to become an OB nurse.

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Hey I'm pretty new here and am making my first post right now. Anyways, I am in my first year of undergrad. I am going to a Community College to do my generals. Well, when I started I had no clue what I wanted to do. After some thinking, I really want to be an OB nurse, then a Midwife.

I talked with my advisor on Wednesday and she told me that you need a Bachelor in Nursing to do OB work, but they only offer associates at the school. I am so confused as to what to do; do I continue w/ generals and go to a different school. What do I need to do to become an OB Nurse, can I become one right out of school? Is there anything I should be doing to prepare?

Sorry for so many questions, but I'm so confused and just want to make the right choices.

Thanks,

Kasie

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Specializes in OB.

Hi, and welcome!

You do not need a BSN to be an OB nurse, however you do need a BSN to go to midwifery school. I came right out of school with am ASN into L&D and so did many of the people here. If midwife is your ultimate goal then go the BSN route.

Good luck!

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Specializes in trauma ICU,TNCC, NRP, PALS, ACLS.

To become an OB nurse all u need is a RN degree rather it is BSN or ADN. Since u r wanting to become an midwife u need a BSN. Which if you go to http://www.discovernursing.com, it will provide u with a list of BSN program in your area. After u have grad. with your BSN you will need to work as a OB nurse for the experience, then u can go and get your masters for Midwife. I am doing the same thing as u, I am currenlty in a BSN program and will graduate 2007, then I will work for 2 years and then get a masters in woman health or midwife have not decided yet.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Nursing Education.

ADN nurses are just as qualified to become OB nurses. However, in some areas of the country there is no shortage of OB nurses... so it gets a bit competitive. A BSN might give you a competitive edge. However, that probably just depends on the hospital and the person doing the hiring!

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Depending on where you are, sometimes there are programs that allow ADN/RNs to go directly into graduate school to be a CNM. These programs typically last 3 years or a bit less and you get your BSN along the way. I would figure out what programs are available to you and see what they offer, how much it costs, how long it takes etc. to figure out what is best for you.

Many hospitals so hire new grad OB nurses, some do not.

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