New Nurses in L&D

[luvmypatients]

Hi,

I am not sure if this has been discussed yet but I am wondering, Can you get a job in L&D right out of school? This is where I really want to be but I didn't know if I would need to do med/surg for a couple years and then be able to apply.

Any advice would be appreciated

Jenn

[sdsrn]

Wish I could be of more help to you but all I can say is in 1985, wow thats sounds like a long time ago, when I got out of nursing school, that is all I really wanted to do and got a job in L&D. I worked in L&D for 6 years. But not sure how they handle it now. The way I look at it, You've got to start somewhere and someone has to give you a chance. If you really want L&D and think you would like women services too than be sure and let the head of the womens dept know that. Good luck to you!!!

[htrn]

I was hired as a new grad right into L&D and have been there for 4 1/2 years. We hire alot of new grads and they have been wonderful - but we also have a FULL YEAR of orientation. Make sure you get plenty of orientation, training, and classes/seminars ASAP, during your orientation.

Good luck and go for it!!! Welcome to nursing. :)

[Suebee6]

We do hire new grads in our dept as well, and have a wonderful orientation period. If it is where you want to work and you know it, then why be miserable somewhere else first..IMO..??? I did peds orthopedics first just because I worked there while is school and stayed on for a few years, then went right over to L and D. Never did or have any intention of doing med surg LOL..

[LDRNMOMMY, BSN, RN]

I also got hired right out of school into L&D. I graduated last May. I love it!!!! I can't imagine working anywhere else. I agree that if you do get hired straight out of school that you get a LONG orientation.

[mitchsmom]

Some places do, some don't.

I went right to L&D a little over a month ago. Our unit has been very, very busy. I have 12 weeks of orientation - learning alot, wish I could make my brain absorb it all faster but am enjoying it.