New nurse & OB??? Is it possible?

[OBGYN*RN]

I'm in my senior year of nursing school (BSN program) and I absolutely LOVE OB nursing. I have never enjoyed a clinical rotation as much as I did my OB one. Loved studying the coursework..loved my hours in the hospital during my rotation I love it all.. L&D..PostPartum..Antepartum..all of it. My clinical instructor really inspired me and really helped me put into perspective what I feel my calling in nursing is. Anyway, I know for a fact that as a nurse I want to work in OB BUT I heard from a few nurses that its nearly impossible to get hired as a OB nurse fresh out of college. Although I actually worked with a nurse preceptor who was training a nurse in L&D who had just graduated so I guess it is possible for some. I dont have any preference as to where I work..L&D, postpartum or antepartum are all great. So I wanted to know what are the chances of me being able to pull off getting hired in OB right out of college and what could help my chances. I only have a few months left until graduation and im really trying to be smart and get an idea of what direction I need to go in as these few months will fly by.

Just as a little background info..I am a really good student in class as well as clinics..have a 3.8 cummulative GPA as of right now. Not that grades mean everything..but hopefully that would help.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

It's probably going to be about timing. Being in the right time in the right place. But definitely go for what you want when you graduate, specify that as a desire when you put in applications. I read a study that those areas have the highest job satisfaction rates and greatest retention rates in nursing, specially L&D which probably explains why they can afford not to hire new grads. Our L&D has openings infrequently enough that they tend to not hire new grads, but antepartum and post-partum does.

A women's unit, such as a gyn surgical unit, might also be somewhere that will look good on the resume if you can't get into OB right away.

[OBGYN*RN]

Thanks so much for the feedback..and i never thought about the gyn surgery unit. Do most hospitals have those units?

[Journey_On, BSN, RN]

The hospital where I am doing my clinicals has a gynecology/women's med-surg floor. In fact, I got to spend my clinical day there this past Wednesday and really enjoyed it. :)

(I am very interested in working in OB when I graduate)

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

The larger hospitals have separate units or wings for women's health/gyn surgery. Some of the smaller hospitals too if it's their speciality.

[PinkPeony7]

I graduate in december and was hired to work L&D after my first nursing interview three weeks ago. It can be done! Be proactive and apply early! I started applying for jobs before almost all of my classmates. Right now they're all scrambling, but I can breathe a sigh of relief. Also, convey your passion for OB when you speak to nurse recruiters and managers. My future department manager and clinical educator mentioned they were impressed by how dedicated I was to the specialty (I had some related women's health work). Also, get good references, especially from your OB instructor. Make sure your resume is solid and don't be afraid to make lots of phone calls to recruiters. Don't forget to send hand-written thank-you notes either. Good luck!

[OBGYN*RN]

Thanks you guys!!!

[Pinkdelight08]

It is definately possible to go straight into OB right after graduation. I did! :nuke:

[zahryia, LPN]

It is definately possible to go straight into OB right after graduation. I did! :nuke:

Me too!

[amberlina420]

I am a nursing assistant on an OB floor waiting to re-take my boards and HOPEFULLY PASS!!! My manager said once I pass they have a job waiting for me...so it is possible... I asked her about the success rate and she said they have have a few new grads that started on OB first and that they had great success....so go for it!