New Grad- Suggestions?

[Mishl029]

Hello,

I am graduating in May, and taking the NCLEX in July. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for me to keep my foot in the door of the OB world during my last semester. I entered nursing school with the intention of being an L&D nurse, and I absolutely loved my maternity class and clinical rotation. I would even be happy with postpartum or nursery work.

I know I want to work MedSurg for at least two years before I try to get an OB job, because I want to have a firm foundation in my nursing career and to also have many different experiences that I can bring to my job as an L&D nurse, because hey, pregnant woman can get sick too! My aunt, who was a high-risk maternity nurse, told me that this is something that is extremely valuable, and to do MedSurg first no matter what. My problem is that when I apply to OB jobs, I won't have any experience in the field other than my clinical rotation. Is there anything I can do this spring (while I'm still in school), maybe that I can even continue when I get a job, that will allow me to have experience that I can have on my resume, and will keep me involved in the OB world?

Thank you!

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

No offense to you aunt, but there is more than one way to skin a cat. I don't disagree with her necessarily but you need to look at what's best for you. I would apply for jobs that you want and let them decide if you are experienced enough. What if after two years of med/surg all the L&D jobs are taken by nurses who skipped the two years of med/surg? Maybe in two years the job market will be wide open again and maybe not. To answer your question maybe you could find a public clinic where you could volunteer teaching breastfeeding or baby care or something. As an RN you would be qualified to start or teach a program. Get a part time job at an OB office? Good luck.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I agree with the previous poster. Now, 5 years ago when jobs in all areas were in abundance, and M/S was something you WANTED to do for a year before going to OB, I'd say go for it. But in this job market, if an OB position opened up for you, I'd say you'd be foolish to pass it up if that's where you want to be.

[Lovelymo79]

You should apply for L&D nurse internships/residencies. Not sure where you are at but I know there are a lot of them in Texas. If you google or go to indeed.com and search for L&D nurse internship, I'm sure you'll find something. They are geared exactly for graduate nurses with no experience. Good luck!

[Mishl029]

Thanks so much for all your help! :)