Med-Surg experience before OB/GYN

miss81, BSN, RN · Aug 3, 2009

I worked Med-Surg for 5 years before I started on OB. It totally made a difference. I was able to get very proficient in the basic nursing skills before having to learn the abundance of material that an OB nurse needs to know. I can put an IV in practically with my eyes closed, take competent care of patients with epidurals and drains, post op pts in shock and patients with chest pain. Believe it or not this stuff really does relate to the OB floor. Not every OB patient is the straight forward "Mom + Delivery= Baby!" The complications that can arise during pregnancy/delivery are often similar to med-surg but can become much more complicated by the pregnancy. Understanding hemodynamics is paramount no matter what branch of nursing you decide to pursue. I could go on and on with the skills that a med-surg nurse needs to have perfected before he/she move on to learning a specialty, but I just think that it makes the transition much easier and then you can focus on the specific knowledge needed for OB nursing.

Good Luck and OB is a great specialty to pursue, you'll love it!

Penguin67 · Aug 3, 2009

You asked a very good question, and the answer depends so much on two things: the facilty training the new grad nurse, as well as the knowledge base, skills and learning potential for the new grad.

Of course, any experience is always good experience, as you have past experiences to draw upon in current situations. As a specialty nurse myself, I went straight in to pediatrics without the big 1-2 years of adults first. If I had to do work with adults prior to working peds, I might have never gone into nursing. I truly believe that if you want to be in a certian area, then by all means go there straight out of school and enjoy what you are doing.

There are folks who think the opposite, and believe that the foundational skills of med-surg must be learned and mastered prior to specializing. There are skills and experiences that would make you a stronger nurse in the long run, but I honestly can't agree with that thought process. However, with nursing jobs not as abundant these days, hospitals can be a little pickier and more selective with who they put into specialty areas. It costs alot to orient a new nurse, particularly a new graduate. Some new grads leave their first position within a year of being hired, and the hospital doesn't feel like it got much return for their money spent orienting you. I can see that point.

Just realize that the hospitals (and the Army) are most likely basing their policies for 1-2 years of med-surg on past experiences. Med surg positionare hard to fill, and this might be a way to get them filled, albeit temporarily.

Good luck!

RNBelle · Aug 4, 2009

While I was in school I spent my last semester precepting in the Trauma ICU. After stress at home and work I decided I needed a happy place. So right after graduation I went to post partum. Now I am doing L&D. Med-surg is just not my thing. There is amazing experience to be had in med-surg but I get my fill when I am pulled occassionally. See how you like med-surg. If you like it, get another year or so of experience. If you don't like it then go to OB sooner rather than later.

oguesswhat · Aug 4, 2009

I am a new grad that would rather have 0 years experience and go straight for l&d...however the hospitals do not agree...so I am searching for a job for my 1-2 years experience :-/ I would rather learn everything I need in L&d and not bother with med/surg (not saying won't need it just saying don't want to work it) I prefer screaming women and babies over any other type of patient any day!

GrumpyRN63, ADN, RN · Aug 4, 2009

I started out in OB and then moved to GYN and then GYN/ONC. Did some L and D inbetween. I now also do Home Hospice.I never did the med.surg thing and it didn't have any negative influence on getting jobs. I feel each job built upon the experiences of the last. The pt's I care for are pretty sick and also have a lot of medical issues as well.