L&D is def. what i have to do...

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Labor and Delivery is my dream and its my goal & focus after graduating. The problem, L&D rarely hires new grads. I have a mind set, and I do not want to work just any position I can get, I know its crazy, but my heart is with this specialty! Every instructor always says to do med-surg for atleast a year or 2, but I just don't feel like that is what I want to do. Is there anything at all extra that may increase my chances of getting hired as a new grad? Just anything would be helpful!

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do you have a asn or bsn? im anxious too see what kind of answers you get with this one

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Reality check ahead:

Given the current lackluster job market for nurses (ASN or BSN), most new grads are happy to have ANY job offers. You will likely feel the same upon your graduation, unless economic circumstances change dramatically prior to your graduation date.

Or unless you have no need for income until the exact right L&D opportunity comes along.

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-My school is affiliated with the hospital I would want to work, but the only thing i hate is its a diploma program. At our hospital, it doesn't hurt that we are just a diploma program because of the affiliation. However, I do plan on getting my BSN. I'm anxious to see the answers to this too :/

-I know most new grads are happy to have any job offer, but I want to be happy in the field I work. And I just can't see myself happy in another one, I don't like med-surg too much, but it's tolerable. Income--oh yes, i need it! I'm just hoping maybe to get lucky--wishful thinking! :)

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I've never posted in this section but it popped up on the news thing. You probably should have worded that differently..."HAVE" to do? Don't think so, no one has to do anything. I know some new grads who went right into L&D. But they either had some EMT or Paramedic experience, or had an externship in a related area. The reason they don't hire new grads is because of the acuity. They talk about having not just experience, but I know a clinical director for L&D and they like ER experience. It's not about having a nice smile or whatever, it's about having a skill set that you don't get by basic nursing education(ADN or BSN). You need that real world experience... From a guy's point of view, things don't really bother me...but HAVE to do? You HAVE to realize that no one will guarantee you a job, regardless of job market.

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Kgh...I think I worded it just fine...by HAVE to do..it's my dream job, its whats going to make me happy. I don't HAVE to do it..but in my mindset it's something I have to do, & want to accomplish. Some new grads get lucky enough to start in L&D. I know experience in preferred, but in any job, you aren't really going to learn anything until you start working in that field, thats what every RN has told me. So why can't I start in something I'm interested in, be focused on it, and learn anything and everything I can from it? As someone guaranteeing me a job, well thats common sense, no one is guaranteed a job and I'm not expecting that. But I'm going to try my hardest to get where I want to be. My question was if there was anything extra that could help me, not someone telling me why I CAN'T.

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Didn't say you can't. And regardless of people saying you can't, I'm sure you will eventually. But to increase your chances, I would see about externships, scholarships to boost your resume, possibly an EMT certification if you're able. Some people advise against this, but call and just ask them what exactly they're looking for. Get some good recommendations from your OB teacher/clinical instructor. See if you can get in touch with the manager where you did your L&D clinical.

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all she is saying is that that specialty is her passion...i thought that was obvious

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Thank you kgh, that's what I was asking for was just a little advice. I don't think being an EMT would do much for me while getting my RN. That might be a little overwhelming at the time. But I will definitley look more into what you are saying! Thanks

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bs, sometimes on the internet meanings get lost lol!

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I was just saying for those who simply read the title of the thread...it might set off a red flag for the dramatic folks. Especially the ones who have been looking hard for a job and been unsuccessful.

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Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

Several of my fellow students in nursing school had their hearts set on L&D. Most were able to do their preceptorships in L&D, and several of them did get jobs in L&D as new grads.

So if your nursing program includes a preceptorship (I think most do, but not all?), be sure to do it in L&D if at all possible.

Good luck!

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