new RN, how do i direct my career go being a Labor & Delivery Nurse

merilynRN · Oct 6, 2014

Hi,

I had worked GYN and also Peds (Sloane Hospital for Women, and Babies Hospital) and got to know the managers & supervisors over time, including the L&D manager, sharing with her my interest in L&D. It was a foot in the door to work in associated areas first. Later on when a position came up I was hired and worked L&D for 5 years before eventually moving. You can try getting onto a GYN unit, and as time goes on get known and express your interest to those in Maternal/Child Health. Or, if in a smaller hospital, "clean" GYN surgical cases recover on the postpartum unit, and nurses are cross-trained to nursery, L&D and postpartum / GYN.

Pursue your dream! I moved on into other areas of nursing later on, but it was wonderful having experienced what was then, my dream job. But I think the key is getting to know people internally and letting it be known that you are very interested in working in L&D.

erickawillisrn · Oct 6, 2014

thank you for your advise I will do that.

RunBabyRN · Oct 7, 2014

Just some friendly advice- change your SN to something more anonymous. With this being a very public forum, protecting your identity is very important, and anonymity is highly valued here! :)

Next, congrats, RN! How exciting! Good luck with your BSN program!

In order to break into L&D, different managers seem to have different philosophies. First, are you willing to take something else while waiting for something in L&D? If you hold out for that dream position, you may find yourself waiting for a long time, and then find yourself "untouchable," as an old new grad. It's important to consider other positions while you wait for the right one to open up. Take a look at new grad programs in your area. Check out Versant programs, which may or may not be available where you are.

Consider getting certifications, if you can afford them. ACLS is a fantastic start, and will certainly benefit you in multiple areas. NRP, STABLE, and AWHONN FHM are more unit-specific certs to look at. Make sure your courses are certified. There are bogus versions of these online that love to take your money without giving you a recognized certification. You should have to attend a class, in person (same with ACLS).

Where did you do your senior preceptorship? Did you make any connections? Can you job shadow in L&D? Will a manager do an informational interview with you? I did this (today, actually), and it was really helpful.