NRP Question

I think it would be good learning, and definitely an asset! You're going to have to keep renewing it anyway so you might as well get into it now if you know you want OB work.

It would not make you look pompous, but I don't think any OB manager would expect you to have it, and I don't know that it would really make you more hireable over another candidate (they are going to be looking more at your personality, how you would fit into the department, your general skill level and how quick-witted you are). NRP certification for staff members is something that is budgeted into the unit's budget, and the staff members are regularly certifying and recertifying (it needs to be done every two years) so it's something they would expect and anticipate they would need any new hires to have to take at some point. As a hiring manager, NRP certification would not blip my radar as something I would look at as far as a factor regarding hiring choices, and my advice to you would be to save your money.

I currently am working as a student nurse extern on an OB/GYN unit that I hope to secure a position in after graduation next May (and an aide position after the externship is over). Would getting my NRP independently make me more marketable or just make me look pompous?

I just graduated in May after doing my precepting on the OB unit at my local hospital where I wanted to work. I asked the manager about the possibility of getting hired on at the unit and she said that it would definately give me an edge and demonstrate my commitment to them if I had my EFM and NRP. I did get the job and started 2 weeks ago:) If it's where you want to work it definately doesn't hurt to get it. It gives you much more confidence when you hit the floor too!

You mean you have an option to not get it? That's weird. At our hospital everyone on the floor has it, especially nurses. I'm an OB Scrub Tech and I even had to get it within the first 3 months of hire. And it does bump your pay, not by a lot but it does.

You mean you have an option to not get it? That's weird. At our hospital everyone on the floor has it, especially nurses. I'm an OB Scrub Tech and I even had to get it within the first 3 months of hire. And it does bump your pay, not by a lot but it does.

No, she's asking if she should pay out of pocket to get it on her own, in order to increase her chances of getting hired.

I am going to ask a question of the question. Can you take NRP without currently working in an OB setting? I was an instructor for many years (but long ago) and never had this come up. Anyone current instructors out there who can answer that? Can you just take the course and do megacode without working in the area?

As a manager, I would not expect you to already have NRP as a new grad. That is something that you will get as part of your training.

That's what I thought! I wonder, how much does it cost? Mine was free because I was already an employee.

That's what I thought! I wonder, how much does it cost? Mine was free because I was already an employee.

its $225 - however I'm going to talk to our clinical coordinator/educator tomorrow to see if they decide to keep me as an aide if I can take it...I'd also like to take the EFM course but in order to sit for the test you already have to have a license.

It is required as part of our orientation where I work, even in OB. I believe you have to have your RN/MD/RT to take the test. And if you take it now, are you going to have to retake it as part of your new role? We have had a few new people with that on their resume and honestly, we don't even take it into consideration as it is part of their orientation.

I appreciate all the input - I spoke with our nurse education and she said that NRP is part of orientation and that as a hiring manager she'd be more impressed with the fact I did an externship and are familiar with NICHD EFM terms..so I'm going to shelve it for now...

My manager said it definitely put me ahead of the other candidates that I had NRP certification before ever having worked as a nurse. I say go for it!