New grad wanting to work in women's health

[etat45]

Hello! I am a new grad RN, BSN and am currently working in a LTC/Rehab facility. I have been there for 4 months now. Its ok, but its just not where I want to be forever. I plan on staying at this job for at least a year to get my experience which will give me time to find a job that i would like better. I REALLY want to work somewhere in women's health or in a health dept. but I don't know how or who to talk with to get a job in this area of nursing! Also, are there any classes or certifications that I can get to help me get into this area of nursing and if so where? Please Help! : )

[esculenta]

I'd be interested in responses to this as well.. I am going to nursing school in the fall, so it will be a while before I can actually pursue these positions.

One place to try (if you want to work in a clinic, at least to start) might be Planned Parenthood. Even if they don't have an open position right away (and every PP hires nurses), a lot of PPs welcome skilled volunteers--that definitely gives you contacts in the women's health field and first consideration for open positions. I volunteered for PP in college and they ended up hiring me for the same position (counseling/ pt prep).

As far as working for the Health Department, have you heard about the Nursing Loan Education Repayment Program? You can apply for loan forgiveness by serving in critical shortage areas, some of which may be in the Health Department. Maybe it is speculation, but it seems that your resume would be attractive for state/ federal jobs if you've done a similar type of public service. And again, contacts.

Good luck! I'm so interested in what experienced nurses have to say!