experienced rn seeking job in L&D

1. Hi! This is my first post, so if I do anything incorrectly, I'm sorry! I am currently working in ICU(have been for five years) and would like to transition to L&D. Hospitals in my area are only hiring experienced L&D nurses at present. Any advice from you experienced L&D nurses as to how to "break into" your specialty? Thanks!!

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2. 

   About djmicu

   Joined: May '03; Posts: 7
   PRN ICU staff nurse in Knoxville, TN

   10 Comments

   Topic Closed
3. 
   May 26, '03

   You could look at taking some courses relevant to the area. I had taken a few courses before actually working L&D.
4. 
   May 26, '03

   I would just talk to the director of L&D in your hospital. They might mean that they want experance as an RN (in any field). I would think that they would be happy to take an ICU RN. The autonomy in L&D is simmiler and you would have assessment and think on your feet skills that would come in handy.
   
   You might have to start in PP but I would asume you would quickly be moved over to L&D.
5. 
   May 26, '03

   Thanks for the ideas and the encouragement. I'll put a call into the manager tomorrow!
6. 
   May 26, '03

   Don't let the "experience required" part discourage you. Keep after 'em til you get an interview. You ARE experienced, although not in L and D; ICU experience is INVALUABLE! I see ALL the time, "experience required" and then when NO "experienced" nurses come to apply, an "INexperienced" nurse is hired and oriented. It has to come from SOMEWHERE. So take heart, and keep trying. You will break in sooner or later! Good luck.
7. 
   Jun 7, '03

   several hospitals in Las Vegas offer Nurse Internships in L&D, to teach experienced nurses all about L&D nursing! My hospital's class is 12 weeks of classroom and clinical!
   
   Try this route!
8. 
   Jun 7, '03

   Thank you all again for the suggestions! I did talk to the manager in the birthing center, and she wants me to take a couple of introductory courses at the regional perinatal center at the university. In addition, we'll schedule some nights for orientation before she decides on how to "work me in" on a more permanent basis. Yahoo!!! Thanks again!!
9. 
   Jun 7, '03

   Congratulations, djmicu! I had a year of Med/Surg and a year of ICU before getting into OB. You will find some strange similarities between ICU and L&D! I have been in OB now for 11 years and really enjoy it. Good luck with your training!
10. 
    Jun 7, '03

    Where in TN are you? We are desparate in NW TN!
11. 
    Jun 7, '03

    Originally posted by NurseyNursey
    Where in TN are you? We are desparate in NW TN!

    wish I would have known you were so desperate in TENN. we almost moved there a while back. that might have been enough to sway us to move there
12. 
    Jun 11, '03

    Well, the pay isn't the greatest, but housing is fairly cheap in my area.

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