New Grad OB Position

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Hi all, I graduated last May with my BSN. I have yet to take my NCLEX (mostly because of lack of funds.) I have just recently applied to a job as a New Grad intern in the Maternity and Birthing units of a really great hospital.

I have been a doula for 3 years, and just recently completed a Certified Lactation Counselor certificate program through Healthy Children Project. In addition, I have a certificate in homebirth midwifery (meaning, I took a year long course in midwifery and graduated from it, not that I have attended homebirths as a midwife.)

I'm also BLS and NRP certified.

I have a great passion for women's health and childbirth.

I was wondering if you all could help me in what I need to do for a possible interview, what else I should do to make myself more desirable?

Any suggestions would be wonderful and greatly appreciated!

Stephanie

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Specializes in Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Palliative.

Stephanie:

You sound highly motivated and ready to hit the ground running in OB, but without your license it will very hard for a hospital to hire you. In my opinion, I think NCLEX should be your next priority and then once you pass that (which I'm sure you will do on your first attempt), continue with whatever certifications or additional courses you want to take.

Good luck!!!

--PedsOncHopeful

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I think they are going to wonder why you haven't sat for boards yet, with all your other accolades it seems out of place. I agree, I think NCLEX should be nexr on the priority list. Good Luck!!!!

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I agree - pass NCLEX.

You sound like a perfect fit for labor and delivery. They'd be lucky to have you.

I remember it costing about $75 to take the test . . .of course that was 14 or so years ago.

Take the test!

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Right! I completely agree....unfortunately I'm a single mom and have very limited money. So, I'm TRYING DESPERATELY to save up to take NCLEX. It is like $450 for the test and license.

I want to take it, I wish I took it right after graduation, sadly, I have no money. :(

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Specializes in Adult Gerontology Primary Care, Palliative.

Wow $450 that's really really expensive, maybe you can borrow the money and pay it back? I know that sounds like stupid advice, but I really do hope you find a way to take the exam, because you sound like an amazing nurse!

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Thank you so much!!!! I really hope so! I'm trying HARD to save up money. :)

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hello all,

i am graduating in march 2012 from an rn program and have been an lpn for 14 years, i really want to get into labor and delivery and am planning on going on to earn my arnp or dpn in womens healthcare or midwifery. any advice on how to get my foot in the door in a hospital when i really have no experience in this area other than my clinicals during nursing school. previously i have worked in ltc as an lpn because as we all know its pretty much the only place that hires lpn's anymore, at least in florida.

i am open to all suggestions and appreciate your time,

thank you

:nurse:

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Specializes in labor & delivery.

My hospital would not even interview you without passing the nclex first. That has to be your first priority. I agree that $450 is a lot, but you have to get it done. Borrowing the money is great advice. All your other qualifications are great and will help you get the job you desire. But first steps first. Good luck, it sounds like you will be awesome in OB!

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Where did you get the lactation certification?? Was that a class online??

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I KNOW!!! :))))))) I am working on NCLEX....I am I am! Borrowing money isn't an option, I don't know anyone I could borrow from.

Thank you all! ;)

Where did you get the lactation certification?? Was that a class online??

I did it through Healthy Children Project. Healthy Children's - Center for Breastfeeding

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Did you take the CLC before you graduated? If not, it might have been better to pay the $200 for NCLEX & $250 for you license over paying $700 for a lactation consultant certification. Most new grad programs in my area may possible offer a contingent offer if you are scheduled/took your NCLEX (basically a GN pending issuance of a license) but not 9 months post graduation and not even scheduled to take the NCLEX nor applied for a license.

Right now I think the ONLY thing that is going to make you more desirable is to apply for your nursing license & take/pass the NCLEX-RN.

Take a temp[ job in an unrelated area if necessary to come up with the $450 for your license. A hospital is NOT going to hire a person who is a BSN graduate as a nurse, since the title nurse requires a license.

While your other credentials (lay midwife, NRP, BLS, CLC, doula) are impressive, they are not going to get you a position as a registered nurse. You are clearly motivated and passionate about women's health, in order to work as a new grad intern you need your license.

Also check the job requirements, some internship/new grad job descriptions specify that you need to have graduated within the past 3, 6, 9.... months even if you didn't get licensed right away or work as a nurse yet. (a May graduate is now 8 months post graduation).

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