Published Mar 11, 2007
Woodenpug, BSN
734 Posts
I'll be graduating in May from a BSN program in CA. I will apply for lic. in MI only. I have experience as an LVN, none in L&D. My senior preceptorship is in L&D.
Do I have a chance or is it unrealistic to hope for a new grad position in L&D?
Thank you in advance for your help.
crysobrn
222 Posts
Our unit hired a new grad last year and the only experience she had was as a nurse tech in an OB unit. She has adjusted well I think. In my opinion it would be beneficial to get some med surg experience so that if you want to go into something else you have that experience. I always wanted to work in OB but I did med surg and stepdown first and I'm really happy about that now.
Thank you. I have some hope. I do have a few years experience in acute care. I understand what you mean. The toughest parts are those basic skills. I hope that the difference between RN and LVN is not so much that I'll miss out. The path I hope to follow is peripartum (any, but preferably L&d), then ultimately, L&D. I'm quite sure L&D requires many years to develop proficiency. I'm told on average 5. Anyway, once again, thank you for letting me know it's possible.
BeccaznRN, RN
758 Posts
I'm not sure about the job market in your area, but there are plenty of new grads that get spots in L&D all over the country. I think your chances are pretty high if you have a preceptorship in L&D as well!
Good luck!
DoulaKelly
15 Posts
I recently accepted a position in L&D at a hospital in Detroit. The only experience I had was 4 years as a doula (labor assistant) and 9 months of med-surg as a nurse tech. I feel very fortunate to get a job directly in L&D as a new grad. Good luck with your search!
07302003, ASN, RN
142 Posts
Hospitals in this area do hire new grads for L & D, there aren't always a lot of openings, and you may not end up at your choice of hospital (that has better patient ratios, working conditions, benefits, or wages, etc.), you will end up most likely on midnights, but it's possible. It's all about the trade offs you are willing to make to get where you want to be. Best of luck!
happynewLPN
152 Posts
We have a few new grads in our L & D unit, and I think it's entirely possible to get right in.
jenrninmi, MSN, RN
1,976 Posts
I'll be graduating in May from a BSN program in CA. I will apply for lic. in MI only. I have experience as an LVN, none in L&D. My senior preceptorship is in L&D.Do I have a chance or is it unrealistic to hope for a new grad position in L&D?Thank you in advance for your help.
I think it depends on what part of the state you want to live in. None of the hospitals in the Grand Rapids area will hire you as a new grad. But being you have med/surg experience as an LPN may help you. Now, finding open positions L&D in GR can also be far and few between. They come in spurts.
Treasure30
80 Posts
Hello,
Right now I do L&D as a traveler. I started in LDR (1986)as a Nurse Assistant for 3 year. When I graduated as an RN BSN, my manager snatch me right up. However, some of the nurses were not supportive. They recommended I get some med/surg expericence. After a year, I took a part time med/surg job to see what I was missing. Anyway, it depends on the indiviual that may need / want med/surg. In my traveling to different states, I have met nurses who been in L&D for 20+ years and never worked med/surg. These L&D nurses are good. I live outside of Detroit, my experience have been, IF THERE IS A DEMAND AT THAT TIME, YOUR ARE IN.
Good Luck.