New OB Nurse! Confused about certs

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Hi! So I'm a recent graduate and just accepted a job as an OB nurse!! Exactly where I want to be:) I'm interested in being the very best I can be. just curious to see what different OB certifications I can look into but haven't really seen much. Also what book would you recommend getting as a resource being a new nurse working in OB! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

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Can't help with your question but congrats! I am trying so hard to get into any unit in OB. You're lucky ;) Any tips that helped you to stand out despite your being a new grad?

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Specializes in L&D, mother/baby.

Congrats! I love OB nursing. It has been my passion for a long time. As far as certs, it depends on what is required where you are. Your unit should send you to appropriate classes as you are ready for them. Within the first several months you can expect to take an NRP course (neonatal resuscitation), AWOHNN fetal monitoring (intermediate), and a lactation course. My hospital does an L&D course and requires ACLS. As well, when I was first trained, I was trained as a scrub nurse for c-sections and D&Cs. Some hospitals train their L&D nurses as NICU nurses and they also take STABLE.

As far as books are concerned, I'm not really sure. I think the AWOHNN books are a great resource and joining that group is typically encouraged. But You should be able to get the books from your unit or from your nurse educator.

I know you're excited, but don't stress yourself. Your unit should want to make you the best nurse they can and they should ensure you are well trained and given all of the tools you will need to succeed.

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Thank you! I'm beyond excited! And that's exactly how I was, wanting to get into OB in anyway. My mentor from school was an OB nurse so she suggested that my resume objective was specific to OB. I basically said I wanted to provide excellent healthcare to expectant mother and her family. I worked extremely hard on my cover letter as well. During my interview I went over questions but didn't over reheorifice because I wanted to be sincere. I think when you really have a passion for something it shows and the interview wasn't hard for me because it was everything I wanted to do so I was able to answer easy. I just tried to make sure they understood how much I wanted to work in OB and how excited I was to be interviewing. I sent a thank you letter after my interview too via email. Good luck to you! @hannAhleaw

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Mumto4, thank you! I will definitely check out AWHONN. Just want to make sure I'm preparedí ½í¸Š

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