New grad, interview on postpartum unit next week. Help!

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I passed my nclex in Feb and have an interview next week for a position on a maternal/newborn unit. I am very excited about the prospect of being an OB nurse but am terrified at the same time. This position is at a great hospital, but it is not a new grad position. Basically, no training...just me on my own. I have applied for EVERY position I have seen since I became registered and this is only my second interview. I really need/want this job but am terrified of being on my own with no experience. Any encouraging advice?

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Be absolutely honest so that you are not in a situation where you are on your own and don't have the foggiest idea on what to do or how to do it. OB is a specialty. And like anything else can go south quick.

If your goal is to get certified, be a lactation consultant, do childbirth ed, become a doula-- tell them that. It suggests a longevity with their unit that can work in your favor. Then follow through and do it.

I wouldn't think they would just let you work alone without some sort of orientation. And they must know you are a new grad with no OB experience via your resume. And sometimes they want to create your practice in their own image, so that is a good thing--no pre-conceived notions.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

Moved to the forum which specializes in OBGYN where you may get more responses

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Specializes in Postpartum, Med Surg, Home Health.

Congrats!!!!

They should be giving you some sort of orientation definitely. I would suggest asking your manager or director about the plan for orientation.

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Specializes in Postpartum, Med Surg, Home Health.
Congrats!!!!

They should be giving you some sort of orientation definitely. I would suggest asking your manager or director about the plan for orientation.

I misread...excuse me please I was reading on my break in the middle of my crazy noc shift (med surg today) :(

Anyway I thought you already got the job but I see you didn't. Just because it is not a new grad program or residency does not mean there will be no orientation. Most places give atleast several weeks. During your interview, make sure you ask about the orientation process. Good luck :)

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Specializes in L&D, mother/baby.

Good luck with your interview! Don't fret about a new grad position. I start next week to mother/baby and I haven't worked on that unit is over 12 years. They are giving me 6 weeks of orientation which can go up or down depending on what I need. Most hospitals will want to do their best to ensure that you are safe and are able to keep your patients safe. As someone said, postpartum nursing is a specialty and it's more than making sure mom is able to breastfeed and baby is maintaining his/her temperature.

Also, my bit of advice...when they ask you your biggest weakness....be honest! The manager doesn't want to hear 'I don't know' or you to take a weakness and make it a strength. My weakness...I told them it has been 11 years since I worked as a nurse....I'm rusty. But I said that I'm aware of it, I'm reading, I took a refresher course, did a clinical rotation this summer, I learn quick...and most importantly, I know where to find the answers I need and who to ask.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, OB, ICU, Public Health Nursing.

Worked in a lot of specialties in a lot of different units. OB nurses were one of the most generous in sharing, teaching, mentoring. As a new grad in post-partum, I worked with an LVN with years of experience. She was an amazing woman and she taught me a lot. Years later, I ran into her again and she had gone back to school and was working as a public health nurse. My suggestion to you is to respect and learn from those with experience and don't get too caught up with the initials behind a name.

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