need to find my niche

[IngyRN]

When I was in NS-my favorite rotation was L&D. Sometimes I would even stay hours after my clinical was over to stay with the pt ( of course w/the permission of the pt, instructor and RN). Unfortunately, following the advise of my nursing advisor I went into med/surg instead of a job I was offered in post-partum. Now years into my career I am so unhappy. I wonder is it med/surg or nursing. I dont want to give up my career in nursing without attempting L&D. But how can I get into L&D-nobody will even give me a chance.

[PinkNBlue, BSN, RN]

I think what probably happened is your instructor told you what everyone has been telling me, after I graduate. "You will lose all of your nursing skills if you go to an OB floor after graduation". I get so frustrated when people tell me that. At first I questioned myself and considered going into a different area like med surg but the more I thought about it, the more I did not want to go anywhere but OB. It's not that you lose your skills, you just gain different ones.

I think it depends on what you want. OB is the reason I am becoming a nurse. It was the first time I realized this was the field I wanted to be in the rest of my life. I have no desire to go to med surg (and yes, that may change eventually... doubt it.... but it's possible). I've found you just need to figure out what YOU want to do and do it. Don't let others influence your decision. And I'd keep my eye open for the OB position. It sounds like that's what you want to do. And you won't be satisfied until you get it. Good luck to you.

[SmilingBluEyes]

You can't lose heart nor hope. Be able to bring something to the table in any job you seek. Become an active member of AWHONN (http://www.awhonn.org) as one step. Gain education and certification in NRP (neonatal resuscitation program) and possibly, ACLS. If you need to, apply to med-surg or float pooling first, to gain a foot in the door. Form networks of people who work in OB and may be able to give you information abut openings as they come up. Make your desires well-known to all as much as possible. And be patient. If you want it, you will get it by working hard.

Good luck.