Interested in L&D nursing.

[Jennyy329]

Hi everyone!

I'm currently a nursing student pursing my ASN. I have one more semester until I graduate so I'm a bit anxious about my future. I'm currently doing my obstetrics rotation and I absolutely love it there. I really loved the role of nursing in the nursery, L&D and postpartum. I know that a lot of hospitals are only hiring BSNs now. I'm thinking of becoming a L&D nurse. I know that a lot of hospitals want new graduates to have at least couple of years of med surg before entering hiring them into L&D. I was recently looking up information for doulas. I was wondering if getting certified as a doula would put me more of an advantage in getting hired in L&D.

Thank you all for your help!

:)

[NAURN]

I am not sure about the doula thing, I am sure any certification that would benefit your job would be a plus, but do keep in mind that a LOT of RNs seek L&D positions. I am not saying that you won't find one, but they seem to be few and far between because the nurses typically stay for a long time. I also wanted to be L&D nurse when I did my rotation. I work in an adult ICU and could not imagine having it any other way! I have no desire now for L&D. Good luck.

[tablefor9, RN]

That and/or lactation classes may help. Also, being a nurse tech or CNA while you are in school will also help. Let the manager see your face while you are on clinical, express your interest and see what happens.

I think, generally, that you should have at least a year of M/S experience before you hit a specialty unit...esp L&D. But, the job market isn't what it once was, so what may be best may not be what you end up doing. Also, if you can go straight back in for your BSN while you take your 1st job, go on and do it. Life has a way of taking your best intentions and putting them on the back burner, then the warming pan, then the compost pile. So, stay in school.

And good luck to you.