How should I move forward?

[jrb1201]

I have been a rehab nurse for three years. I recently had an interview for L/D job. Ob is my dream specialty. I would really love the opportunity. During the interview I was notified that the unit covers there own call ins, so you are expected to be on call every week. This would be difficult for me because I am helping to raise my nephew and he is with me on my days off from work. After further research I find that I would rather work in postpartum or nursery. Any one work on call as PP or Nursery Nurse? Nurse manager told me I could call or email her with any questions. I don’t want to burn any bridges, but I also want to do what is best for me and my family. Should I speak with manager regarding concerns? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

[JKL33]

No, not regarding your concerns per se. I wouldn't mention your personal obligations; the manager can't be expected to have much concern for helping an applicant with their personal obligations so it runs the risk of just seeming needy (I.e. needier than some other applicant perhaps).

It is perfectly reasonable to ask about the specific call requirements, though. "On call every week..." =  how many days, how are sign ups handled (or are OC days assigned), will your call shifts be the shift you normally work, how is OC paid? Etc.

Then you make your decision based on what they are offering/requesting.

Good luck.

(I wish I.e. would stop capitalizing the I.)

[Emergent, RN]

Perfect advice @JKL33

Lots of people have the same challenges regarding on call requirements. Either it works for you or it doesn't. There are plenty of OB units that don't require it I think. It would be a dealbreaker for me, kids or not...

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Depends on how badly you want to break into L & D.  Perhaps you could arrange for a sitter , on the days you may be called in.

Best wishes.

[Nunya, BSN]

I've been on call in NICUs but only 1-2 shifts every 6-8 weeks.  One shift every week is an awful lot imo.  Hard to get a 4 day weekend with that requirement.   Ask the PP and Nursery staff what their requirements are.