After nursing school

by dframirez
Nov 18, '02 Views: 1,654 Comments: 10

Hi,

When I become a nurse I want to work in L & D. Is it hard to get a job in this area?
About dframirez

Joined: Nov '02; Posts: 14
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Nov 18, '02
Occupation: L&D RN Joined: Sep '00; Posts: 98; Likes: 1

I started L&D directly out of nursing school about a year and a half ago. The job I took was not the only offer for L&D that I got. It can be done, go into it with your eyes open, and ask questions about the training the facility offers and what kind of support they will offer you as a new grad. Great ways to get your foot in the door at a facility you think you may be interested in working at after graduation are to work part time as a tech or student nurse extern, volunteer in the women and infants department, do a preceptorship in that department, choose clinical rotations at that location and let people know you are interested in working there after graduation ask them for suggestions. Good Luck!
Nov 18, '02
Occupation: Clerk Joined: Nov '02; Posts: 14

Thanks for the advice !
Nov 19, '02
Joined: Apr '02; Posts: 38,750; Likes: 16,271

It was not for me...part of it was luck...part of it my doing. I was a 4.0 student in school....about 3mo before graduation, I made application to the float pool at the local hospital. This was 1997 when jobs were not quite so plentiful in a rural area with ONE hospital within 50 miles. I got lucky in that the OB mgr. saw my float pool app. and called me and asked if OB would in any way interest me. (would it, and how!).....So we set up an interview and she liked me. Said the job was mine when I graduated and got my RN. She mentioned she had checked w/my school, talking w/instructors and and the like and decided I may be what she was looking for. It pays to do well in school and to be in the right place at the right time. I wish you well! I think you have a REALLY good chance of getting an OB job right out of school...much better one than even just 5 years ago. Hang in there!
Nov 21, '02
Occupation: Maternal Child, BSN Joined: Nov '02; Posts: 29

Our hospital offers an intership into OB and L&D. Its a 6mo program that gives you diadactic with clinical orientation. All the new grads seem to love it
Nov 21, '02
Joined: Jul '02; Posts: 3,872; Likes: 18

I work as a Nurse Tech in L & D, Nursery, and PP. When I am done with school, they say the job is mine. I also won't have to go through the 10 week training they give....just trained on anything I haven't done (which isn't much!). They are great where I work.
Nov 22, '02
Joined: Apr '02; Posts: 38,750; Likes: 16,271

OH there is plenty you have not done as a tech in OB if you are not an RN.......not to put down techs, you guys are *amazing* but there will be PLENTY to learn and the responsibility level will go sky- high compared to what you are used to now....I am sure there is much more to do and/or learn once you are an RN, even if on the same unit......unless you are doing RN-scope things now (which is illegal most places).......Take advantage of ANY training you can get once you are an RN.......don't rush things. You KNOW how litigious OB is.... Best of luck to you, emily. I wish you well.

Last edit by SmilingBluEyes on Nov 22, '02
Nov 23, '02
Joined: Jul '02; Posts: 3,872; Likes: 18

Actually, once you are trained on how to do certain procedures and show proficiency in them, you are allowed to do them on your own. This is Wisconsin, so maybe it is different. Each hospital sets its rules for what NT's are allowed to do. Some don't even let them pass meds. My hospital trusts me and I have showed proficiency in my areas. I also have the benefit of working with awesome nurses who let me get in on all of the good stuff. I have even delivered babies (with RN next to me) when both docs were in emergency C-sections. I have also completed the 10 week training when I moved from CNA in OB to this. I am very confident in my abilities here, and they know that. I don't try to be WonderWoman, and I do have questions. However, RN's with oodles of experience still ask advice from other nurses. I have even been able to answer some of their questions. They really don't treat me any differently than other staff. I carry my own pt load, which is identical to the RN's. They are always there for me, as I am for them.

Kristy
Nov 23, '02
Joined: Apr '02; Posts: 38,750; Likes: 16,271

welp emily...sounds SWEEEEEET. good luck! by the way where in WI are you? My dh and ds were both born in Eau Claire!
Nov 24, '02
Joined: Jul '02; Posts: 3,872; Likes: 18

I live halfway between E.C. and Wausau, but go to school in Eau Claire. I love the town....just wish they knew how to drive!!! Give me Minneapolis during rush hour any day!
Nov 24, '02
Joined: Apr '02; Posts: 38,750; Likes: 16,271

kewl.....UWEC is a great school... I gave birth at Sacred Heart Hosp there in May 92...most of the RN's there came from UWEC....if they are any indication of what kind of nurses that school turns out...YOU WILL ROCK! Good luck to you em!

After nursing school

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