Not enough experience to be hired, too much for an internship!

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Oct 17, 2017

Internships are for new grads. You aren't one. You'll just have to keep networking and trying. But you're not likely to get an internship.

klone, MSN, RN · Oct 17, 2017

I would suggest, if this is an option for you, applying to community hospitals in small communities that are not near larger cities. These areas are often in dire need of nurses and are usually willing to train.

babeinboots, MSN, NP, CNM · Oct 19, 2017

If your are really passionate about making the switch I would suggest investing in your maternal newborn education. Getting your NRP and fetal heart monitoring certifications may set you apart from other experienced nurses without OB experience. Also look around for an OB class geared towards RNs. Good luck!

jenoglv · Oct 19, 2017

If your are really passionate about making the switch I would suggest investing in your maternal newborn education. Getting your NRP and fetal heart monitoring certifications may set you apart from other experienced nurses without OB experience. Also look around for an OB class geared towards RNs. Good luck!

I thought about doing that in the past. Do you think it would really help? I'm totally open to the idea.

babeinboots, MSN, NP, CNM · Oct 20, 2017

I thought about doing that in the past. Do you think it would really help? I'm totally open to the idea.

I think it would make a difference. I'm a new grad so not in the same position as you but when I went on my interview for the L&D New Grad Program they made it clear that they were looking for people passionate about women's health. I truly think that my passion for L&D is what got me the job, I really showed them how invested I was in women's health. You can also try joining a professional nursing organization geared towards OB. Good luck!

ctyler4 · Oct 21, 2017

I am right there with you!! I have 11 years of nursing experience but in ICU and Med/Tele. I have been trying for almost 2 years to get into Women's Health in my own facility (been Med/Tele here for 3 years). I have had two interviews and always lose out to an experienced nurse I have joined AWONN (pretty expensive), taken Fetal Heart Monitoring, STABLE and will take NRP next week. I have applied to the posted position my hospital just opened and emailed the nurse manager to let her know the steps I have taken to show her I really want the job. If this doesn't get me in the door I don't know what will!!! So frustrating!!

klone, MSN, RN · Oct 22, 2017

I am right there with you!! I have 11 years of nursing experience but in ICU and Med/Tele. I have been trying for almost 2 years to get into Women's Health in my own facility (been Med/Tele here for 3 years). I have had two interviews and always lose out to an experienced nurse I have joined AWONN (pretty expensive), taken Fetal Heart Monitoring, STABLE and will take NRP next week. I have applied to the posted position my hospital just opened and emailed the nurse manager to let her know the steps I have taken to show her I really want the job. If this doesn't get me in the door I don't know what will!!! So frustrating!!

Can you move?

labordude, BSN, RN · Oct 22, 2017

I would highly recommend that if any of the hospitals in your area have a career fair that you should attend. Getting face time with the leadership in the areas you want to work in is incredibly helpful. Make a friend, ask to shadow, show them your passion and that you have background skills that make the transition easier. It's harder for them to say no especially if you have staff member friends pushing for you as well. I'm also with klone on this one, I had to move to make this happen for myself. There was research that came out the other day that people are moving less now, it's kind of sad. So many opportunities in new places and people come up with every excuse under the sun not to take a risk.