I want to work with the babies! Help!!

intensity_too · Sep 26, 2008

I'm a nursing student too, and would also like to do newborn care or L&D. I hear that most hospitals won't take you on to these floors without prior experience. At least the hospitals here say you need so many years of experience to be a nurse in L&D or with mothers/newborns.

What I don't understand is, if no one will hire you without experience, how the heck do you get the experience in the first place to apply for these positions?

Anyone have any insight on this??

Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2008

I haven't found a lack of hospitals willing to take new grads into L&D, but maybe it depends on your geographic area. I've been searching around L.A.

As for what would give you a leg up on the competition -- definitely try to do a senior clinical rotation in the specialty that you want, and do your best in any maternity-related clinicals you have so that your instructor can give you a good reference. Also, picking up certifications in ACLS (advanced cardiac life support), PALS (pediatric advanced life support), and/or NRP (neonatal resuscitation program) would help demonstrate your dedication to getting into this area of nursing.

Practicalone, LPN · Sep 30, 2008

I recently received my LPN and I have been working in a Birthing Center PRN. Prior to working there as a LPN, I worked there as a CNA. The classes that you should take are NRP (neonatal Resusitation Program), ACLS, any kind of infant area classes that will help. Some facilities want you to have fetal heart monitoring, just so you know, not that as a LPN you are supposed to be decifering it.... Good Luck to you

able2009 · Oct 11, 2008

Maybe there's a hospital with a residency program near you. I live in atlanta and there are a few hospitals that have it and you're able to start in any department you choose

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Oct 11, 2008

Do California hospitals have LPNs in their OB/L&D areas? We have few and far between nowadays, it seems....the exceptions being the LPN in the more stable areas (postpartum, not L&D) who are going to school for RN. At least in my area.

If California does hire LPNs into those areas, I'd think like any other specialty it would depend on the resources of the facility as to whether they can train a new grad or not.

Good luck!