Labor and Delivery Travel Nursing

Traveldee · Oct 30, 2013

My opinion (and I know there are some who might disagree with this): 2 years in a specific specialty, and if possible see if you can get experience (perhaps per diem) in another hospital before you start traveling. I work labor and delivery and have gone from small community hospital (60 deliveries a month) to high risk teaching hospital with lots of residents and attendings on the unit (350+ deliveries a month) and their are varied challenges and responsibilities to each kind of L&D job. I had 2 years L&D experience when I started traveling and I was very glad I had not tried to travel with only a year experience. That being said, you will always be learning new ways of doing things at assignments even if you've been a nurse for 20+ years.

Hope that helps.

NedRN · Oct 30, 2013

I agree that generally 2 or 3 years of experience is a very good idea if you are working at the right kind of hospital. I also agree that difference kinds of units will broaden your skill set. That said, it is very individual how fast you become truly competent. Not much can compensate for 10 years of experience, you will be better and look back and know it.

L&D is in such big demand that you will certainly be able to get travel assignment offers even with just your year. So you could just go for it if you feel like you can present yourself in a new environment with confidence. Obviously you will gain experience on each assignment, you do want to be safe. One way to check your skills and ability to adapt to a new working environment and culture is by working per diem at other local hospitals through an agency such as Favorite Nurses.

Traveldee · Oct 30, 2013

One thing I forgot to add (but I've mentioned it on other threads) I HIGHLY recommend getting your inpatient obstetric nurse certification (RNC-OB credential) and fetal heart monitoring (C-EFM). Really glad I did that before I traveled. :)