How do you get a L&D job or a surgery job?

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I have been wanting to try another form of nursing like labor and delivery and I have ALWAYS wanted to work in the OR...how do you get a position in either of those units?? Seems like you have to donate a kidney to get anywhere! All job postings say, "must have 2+ yrs experience." How do you get experience if nobody will take a chance and train you?

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Specializes in Med/Surg,Cardiac.

I'd individually contact hospitals in your area and ask them. I know Vandy in Nashville offers an OR residency program. Someone I graduated nursing school with went straight into OR and some into L&D. I guess it depends on where you live

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Specializes in LTC and School Health.
I'd individually contact hospitals in your area and ask them. I know Vandy in Nashville offers an OR residency program. Someone I graduated nursing school with went straight into OR and some into L&D. I guess it depends on where you live

I agree. I have a friend that got into the OR right out of ADN school. I got into CVICU post ADN program. There are jobs out there.

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I have been wanting to try another form of nursing like labor and delivery and I have ALWAYS wanted to work in the OR...how do you get a position in either of those units?? Seems like you have to donate a kidney to get anywhere! All job postings say, "must have 2+ yrs experience." How do you get experience if nobody will take a chance and train you?

Some OR programs will take nurses w/o experience, even new grads.

Theory behind this is that the OR nursing can be so different than what one does on the floors/units that many hospitals like to get a nurse with a "clean slate" so they can train her/him their way.

L&D is often a tough gig to land as the specialty is a popular one, and seasoned nurses tend to stay put. This often means openings are far and few between.

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