Interview Tips of a GN wanting a L&D Position.

[rochelle03lc]

I'm a graduate nurse who really wants to work in L&D, to be honest it's really the only place I want to work, but I'm trying to be open because I really need a job. Can anyone give me some tips for the interview process for a L&D nurse? Anything I should brush up on or ways/things to improve my chances? I'm willing to take some classes or get certifications, anything!

I did my preceptorship in my last semester in L&D (96 hours), learned a ton and made sure to emphasize on my resume my time spent in the department. The only downfall is that my husband and I are moving to another city now that I've graduated, so I can't really use my connects from my clinical hospital in the new city.

Advice please!

[ann4997]

Is it possible to have any of the nurses or the nurse manager that you worked with on the L&D floor that would be willing to write you a letter of rec that you could take with you when you relocate? I too thought I wanted to work L&D after I graduated (successfully completed my senior capstone in L&D and had recommnedations from several nurses that I worked with) and was told by the nurse manager at the hospital I did my preceptorship that they are willing to hire me (they had a spot opening in August, which was fine with me) but would start me in postparturm and would transition me to L&D after about a year. I have heard this same practice from other collegues who worked L&D. I have also heard that it is very hospital specific as to whether they are willing to hire new grads because it is considered a specialty. So I guess it will depend on the practices of the facilities where you are moving.

Just so you know, for a few reasons I decided I wanted to get a firm foothold in nursing and went the medsurg route and am thrilled with it. I fancy myself transitioning into L&D later on when I have more experience because I feel like it is in my blood, but for now I love the diversity of medsurg.

I don't know if getting a certifications ahead of time may help and a lot of times you will have to complete training at the facility in which you work because they like to train you "their" way.

I hope this helps...good luck to you.