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

samantha0890 · Apr 27, 2011

kgh--i understand what you mean! and i really do appreciate your post!

noahsmama-- thank you so much!! Gives me hope!!

roser13, ASN, RN · Apr 27, 2011

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.

s.i.g.h.

NightOwl0624 · Apr 27, 2011

It's great to have dreams, a passion, a goal, etc...

I don't think anyone is telling you that you CAN'T, just be realistic. Don't be disappointed if it doesn't happen right away. (((And you DO sound very dramatic!)))

ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN · Apr 27, 2011

Check out big hospital systems in your area, especially teaching hospitals. Many have L&D Internships. I know you don't want to do this, but sometimes it helps just getting your foot in the door anywhere in the hospital, then after you work for six months or a year, you can apply for an internal transfer as an intern or a fellow into a specialty area such as L&D. Call L&D units of hospitals and ask to speak to their hiring nurse manager. Ask them when they might be looking for a new grad. Sell yourself- even if you get their voicemail. I've gotten jobs this way!!

samantha0890 · Apr 27, 2011

roser-- whats the sigh for?

Michigangirl- I won't be disappointed it if doesn't happen right away. & how am I being dramatic? Gosh, some ppl on the site are just rude. I simply stated what I wanted to know, and that this was my main focus and dream and then i get advice kind of shooting me down, is how i see it. I'm trying to be realistic, and I know it doesn't happen for everyone, but what is the hurt in trying to do something i'm passionate about? Sorry you think I'm dramatic, but the way i took the one post made me a little upset.

ijuanabhappy- thank you!! that is really helpful! I will do anything that has to do with labor & delivery and getting my foot in that door!!

ijuanabhappy, ASN, RN · Apr 27, 2011

I'm not picking up on any drama, just enthusiasm.:):) I definitely understand. Its nice that you know exactly what area you want to work in. And if you do land an interview with L&D, convey this enthusiasm and explain that you know it is the only place you want to be. Its okay to not want med/surg. Not for me either.

samantha0890 · Apr 27, 2011

Thank you for understanding! It's a relief when someone understands how I'm feeling. I'm really hoping it works out in the end! I'm not going to be all upset if I have to take a different route, but I'd rather go right into what I love.

NightOwl0624 · Apr 27, 2011

I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. You do seem dramatic to me, especially if that one little comment set you off. It's just how I see it. But I'm just one person whose opinion really doesn't matter anyway.

My dream was to work in oncology. I graduated 2 years ago, but had to "settle" for a medical floor for my first job. I finally got a position on the oncology floor, will start next week.

It's great to have a dream. Mine took 2 years. Hope you get yours sooner!

Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN · Apr 27, 2011

When you ask questions you need to expect a variety of answers - they wont all be what you want to hear. With that said, the reasons teacher say MedSurg is to kind of "get your hands wet" L&D is always a high demand field, it is very high acuity and requires special skill and training. If you can get an internship in L&D, try that. But just dont let too much time pass by if you dont get a job in L&D right away, any experience in an acute care setting will look good on your resume so that maybe in the future you can get the L&D position you want. GooD LucK to you!!!!

Devie06 · Apr 27, 2011

lol, you do sound a little dramatic to me. But hey, I can be dramatic too. I too am in nursing school, and would love to work in L&D. The reality is, it's one of those places everyone and their brother wants to work in...and there really isn't much you can do about it. You can volunteer, do internships, externships, etc. But honestly, as a mom who had a baby last year, I would feel uncomfortable with a brand new nurse. I'm sure patients can't always tell, but when you are giving birth, well, when I was giving birth, it was my first. I had crazy hormones, I was in a lot of pain, I was worried about my baby (getting emergency c-section) and I had an excellent nurse whom I loved, and a newer one that I didn't want near me. It was nothing against her professionally, and I know I will be the new nurse someday too, but I just didn't want it. My two cents. Good luck!

momof02 · Apr 27, 2011

Hey. What area do you live in? That may also help with some of the replies you're getting. I'm near Chicago and I know of a few hospitals that hire new grads on the L&D unit. One of them is West Suburban Medical Center. Most of their new grad hires were students for their school but not all so. Also applying for a Postpartum position may help also; It'll get you onto the unit and then maybe you can cross-train for L&D later. Good luck and don't let some of these replies get you down.

samantha0890 · Apr 27, 2011

No no, you didn't hurt my feelings. & That one little comment wouldn't have set me off it they would of emphasized i don't HAVE to do it..and whatever else it said. But good luck to you and congrats!