Mother baby/ Labor and Delivery Nursing

[missmaddie, BSN, RN]

I know I eventually I want to be a labor and delivery nurse. I figured entering the Mother and Baby arena first, would provide some experience before entering L&D. However, every single mother and baby, as well as L&D position requires experience. How can I obtain experience, when every position requires previous experience?

I am lost and confused.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Does it have to be women's/children's experience, or nursing experience?

Have you looked at relocating?

[missmaddie, BSN, RN]

Womens/children's experience.

[brillohead, ADN, RN]

Get a "regular" job in a facility that has a MB/LD department, then you can get a reputation as a good nurse / worker / employee, and then you can make a lateral/internal move into a desired position.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

I would go to med/surg and network my way into mother/baby. Taking some elective classes or getting involved in relevant community projects might look good on a resume, too.

Moving to a desperate area where you can get hired just by having a pulse is also an option.

[RatherBHiking, BSN, RN]

I agree with the above. Take any fetal monitoring and other type classes offered in your hospital pertaining to that area as well. Once you do that apply, even without experience. If they have no one apply that has experience you have a shot at getting hired esp if you've shown the dedication to go ahead and get more education and it would put you ahead of other applicants.

[LDAthleteNurse, BSN, RN]

Are you a new grad? If so, your best bet is to apply for a new grad nurse residency position in labor and delivery. Dont go into medsurg if you don't want to work in medsurg. It's not necessary to have medsurg experience before working in Labor & Delivery. It is also not much helpful because L & D is a different beast. Apply months before you graduate. I landed a highly coveted L&D position 2 months before I graduated because I applied early and was willing to relocate.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

Are you a new grad? If so, your best bet is to apply for a new grad nurse residency position in labor and delivery. Dont go into medsurg if you don't want to work in medsurg. It's not necessary to have medsurg experience before working in Labor & Delivery. It is also not much helpful because L & D is a different beast. Apply months before you graduate. I landed a highly coveted L&D position 2 months before I graduated because I applied early and was willing to relocate.

Her screen name includes the title RN, BSN. So I don't think it's possible for her to do that.

I do agree that she should contact every hospital within driving range and inquire if there are any new grad residency programs with openings. Even if they have already filled their spots, you never know; she might be able to score an offer if one of their other candidates changes her mind. With no success in that endeavor, it seems her best bet is to get some experience in her desired hospital, get to know the staff of the L & D unit, make a good impression, and apply for a transfer after a year.

[missmaddie, BSN, RN]

Thanks everyone! I have been working in hospice for the past 3 years! While I love it, labor and delivery is my dream :)

[HeySis, BSN, RN]

We have two hospitals in my area and both are hiring MB and LD nurses. One is only hiring nurses with experience in those areas, because they are just starting up their unit and need staff that knows what they are doing. The other takes new grads (through the residency program) and nurses without MB, LD experience. They've been established for so long they have good, experienced staff that can train and act as mentors.

Remember, just because the posting says experience preferred, doesn't mean they won't hire without. Get an interview, explain how your experience in hospice has taught you to communicate and effectively help not only the patient but all the family through very difficult times. Talk about the skills you have developed that allow you to work independently, while being able to contact referrals and other members of the team for a holistic approach. You've got skills that will translate.

Good Luck!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Moved to the OB Nursing forum for more replies.

[missmaddie, BSN, RN]

I accepted a position as of today on mother baby!!! Thank you all!!