Labor and Delivery nurses-question from student

Sour Lemon · Mar 20, 2019

13 minutes ago, kkb91 said:
I had a question for labor and delivery nurses. I will begin nursing school in August and dream of being a labor and delivery nurse. I currently work in a children’s hospital as a nurse tech. I know it is cliched to want to work in L&D but I feel it has a different meaning for me. When I had my second child, I had a rough delivery and my nurse was absolutely amazing. I decided after having my baby, that I wanted to be that kind of a nurse to another mom. I wanted to show the same support and love that I received while having my child.
Anyways, what would I need to do in order to achieve those dreams of being a L&D nurse? I would like all and any information possible. Thank you!

The biggest factor may be the market you're in and whether or not you're willing to move. Actually graduating and passing boards may also be helpful. A BSN might be advantageous.

kkb91 · Mar 20, 2019

I plan on going straight for my BSN. I am willing to do whatever it takes and we have several hospitals in my area that are constantly hiring. My family and I plan on moving eventually as well.

dana16 · Apr 14, 2019

Networking is huge for any job. If you can find a CNA job or something on L&D while you’re in school that would give you an advantage over others because they actually know you. Getting your senior preceptorship there could help as well. As far as other ways to stand out when you’re getting closer to applying, you can join AWHONN, take AWHONN’s intro to monitoring, doula certify or take a doula workshop, etc. Good luck!

klone, MSN, RN · Apr 14, 2019

On 3/19/2019 at 8:10 PM, kkb91 said:
I know it is cliched to want to work in L&D but I feel it has a different meaning for me. When I had my second child, I had a rough delivery and my nurse was absolutely amazing. I decided after having my baby, that I wanted to be that kind of a nurse to another mom. I wanted to show the same support and love that I received while having my child.

Just letting you know, it's not different. That's why most nurses go into L&D.

LovingLife123 · Apr 14, 2019

L&D at my hospital requires a couple of years of experience. It’s almost everyone’s “dream” to do labor and delivery. Don’t have tunnel vision or blinders on. Keep your eyes open during your clinical rotations.

My unit actually sees a fair amount of postpartum patients. Those are some of my toughest cases. On the up side, I now know how to use a breast pump!! All of my boys are formula fed and a breast pump was this foreign, crazy object that took me a few times to learn how to use.

There are ups and downs in any specialty. My cousin left labor and delivery a year ago. That’s why I’m saying keep your eyes open.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Apr 15, 2019

22 hours ago, klone said:
Just letting you know, it's not different. That's why most nurses go into L&D.

Took the words right out of my mouth...er, keyboard.

I wanted to go into L & D, for the same reasons explained already. Ended up in adult cardiac critical care. Now working OR elective plastic surgery. You just never know where your path will eventually lead you.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Apr 15, 2019

When I started nursing school my sole intent and purpose was to become a L&D/postpartum nurse. I loved working as a tech on the OB floor at my local hospital and naturally assumed I would go back there as an RN.

And then I met a little elderly lady who not only changed my life but my entire career trajectory. She was one of two nursing home residents I was assigned to in my first term and I fell in love with not only her, but old people in general. I loved to hear their stories! And that's where I worked for most of my career, in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities as well as Med/Surg (where there is a sizable elderly population).

It's funny in a way; I started out wanting to work with moms and babies, and ended up with folks at the opposite end of life. That just goes to show that one should be open to different opportunities in nursing...you never know what you might end up loving.