How to get a PostPartum job without related experience?

[jo716]

Hello,

I'm a nurse with experience in home care, medical surgical, telemetry, and inpatient psychiatric nursing. What could I do to get a job in Post Partum nursing?  It seems most places are either looking for New Grads with past related preceptorships or already experienced Post Partum/L&D nurses.

 

What would hiring managers like to see as far as highlighted skills that can cross over and are there any classes, certifications (I hear NRP), anything else that could make me an attractive applicant?

 

If you've been on the hiring/interviewer side - What traits do you generally look for in applicants and what makes someone stand out to you?

 

Thanks!

Jo

[klone, MSN, RN]

Just keep applying. I have often hired people who had no background in OB nursing. I look for people who are well-spoken, intelligent, and curious. Having a med-surg background is a HUGE benefit. No need to get NRP ahead of time - they will not expect you to have it, and they will provide it for you after you're hired. If you want to do something, I would work on taking some lactation education. Having experience in providing breastfeeding assistance would be a HUGE advantage.

[jo716]

2 hours ago, klone said:

Just keep applying. I have often hired people who had no background in OB nursing. I look for people who are well-spoken, intelligent, and curious. Having a med-surg background is a HUGE benefit. No need to get NRP ahead of time - they will not expect you to have it, and they will provide it for you after you're hired. If you want to do something, I would work on taking some lactation education. Having experience in providing breastfeeding assistance would be a HUGE advantage.

Hi!

Thanks so much for your feedback!  Is there any particular company/organization that teaches lactation education that's recognized as being best to learn from or get certifications from for nurses?

 

Thanks!

Jo

[klone, MSN, RN]

Lactation Education Resources is good, but any organization that offers courses that earn CERPs would likely be trustworthy.