L&D Straight out of Nursing School?

ERNurse752, RN · Sep 23, 2005

I'm not an L/D nurse (hopefully will be someday though,) but new grads are able to get L/D jobs. Just make sure you have a good orientation program.

The one year in med surg idea...some people are absolutely for it, some are absolutely against it. I think if you know what you want to do, and/or if you would be miserable in med surg...why do it? Go where your heart leads you.

I've never had anyone ask for my grades or GPA when interviewing for any position. Although you could always put your GPA on your resume as an added shining star.

Good luck! :)

NurseforPreggers · Sep 23, 2005

Any L&D nurses here get hired fresh out of nursing school? I've heard all the arguments for working on Med/Surg for the first year or so, and I understand the reasoning behind this. But I'm going to be 45 when I graduate. I know this is what I want to do, and feel I have "paid my dues" in life. Wow, that sounds arrogant, doesn't it? Not meant to be. Sorry, I'm just excited this morning.
I knew I wanted to be involved in L&D as a career, but yesterday was my first clinical day on the floor. I saw a C/S and a VBAC. I shared the most intense, intimate experience of life with total strangers. What an absolute honor and privilege!!!! The blood, the poop, the sights, the smells, the emotions----ALL OF IT was an absolute rush, and very humbling. I just walked around dumbstruck all the rest of the day. Hubby doesn't understand. Mom doesn't understand. I cried all the way home. All I did was help hold my patient's leg, tell her to push, bring her a cool washcloth, and help change her pad when she had a BM, and I felt like I was given the greatest gift in the world.
Any L&D nurses, did you feel like this the first time you saw a birth? Any suggestions to help me land this job after I graduate? I'm second in my class of 50. Do grades count for anything when hiring time comes? Sorry this is such a rambling post. If you've muddled through the whole thing, any advice would be appreciated.

I got hired to L&D straight out of nursing school. It is definitely do-able. I think one thing that helped me get into this facility was that I did my senior preceptorship on this floor during nursing school. The manager was vaguely familiar with me and recognized my name when my application was processed. You might consider something to that effect.

The first birth I saw I cried. It was absolutely amazing. I still enjoy it immensely, but I generally don't cry anymore

I wasnt asked about my grades in my interview. I think generally as long as you have passed nursing school and that you pass your boards it doesn't really matter what your grades were. But if you graduate with honors I would certainly include that info on your resume.

babyktchr, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2005

I have a few things to say on this subject, so bear with me.

I believe that absolutely one can be hired out of nursing school to L&D. I sit in on interviews every year with our school of nursing grads and listen to everyone say, OH, THIS IS ALL I WANT TO DO. Now, please don't take this the wrong way, but, how do you know? Nursing school gives such a small thumbnail of clinical experience to any of the specialites. Lets face it, a lot of clinical is observation in OB and you really don't get to know what goes on. You also most times only take care of one patient and that really doesn't give you the daily experience in the life of and OB floor. It can be down right CHAOTIC. In any case, let me tell you what I look for when I interview. The students who have done externships on our unit usually are the ones who interview, so I know that they have a little understanding of what goes on. I do look at their school record, but not grades...I look at attendance and instructor evaluations. I really want to know about organizational skills, problem solving skills and ability to learn to multitask. I also try to work on the days the students are on the floor, so I can watch their care and how they do while in clinical.

Ok..as for "this is all I want to do". I do believe that there are some that are in the know that this is truly their path. Let me say something to you though. There is more to OB than deliveries, and the joy that comes with it. I came from an ICU/CCU background. I worked in a big teaching facility and small community hospital, both very busy places. When I transferred to OB (after waiting for someone to die to get a position) I had NO OB experience, but the NM took a chance on me and gave me a job. Let me tell you....I work harder by far in OB than I ever have on any other floor. You have to be mentally, physically and emotionally challenged on a regular basis there. Yes you cry at deliveries ( I still do and have seen a gazillion deliveries), but you work your BUTT off also.

Many students that have come with the OB bug make it. Some don't. You wont' know until you try. Some just can't handle the pace, or the emotional stuff, others just don't plain like it like they thought...and that is ok. Go for it and see what happens. ALWAYS be open to learn, always ask questions and always jump in when you can. OB, as well as life, is a roller coaster. Put your arms up and scream!!!!!!!!! It is worth it. I love my job.

Best of luck to you. I wish you well.

BabyRN2Be · Sep 23, 2005

My theory on the med/surg year, yes, you might get some experience and some good organization skills, but if you KNOW what you want to do (L&D, newborn, etc.) why make yourself miserable working in an area in which you really don't want to work? Especially nursing. If you have L&D in your blood, and many of us do, I really don't believe that the 1st year of med/surg is necessary.

You can get hired as an L&D nurse out of school, but expect to work a lot of weekend and nights at first. That's the way it is around here at first.

BTW, Sioux, I've been a labor doula for the past 8 years. That feeling of seeing your first birth never leaves you. I don't let my emotions get the best of me (it only happened once this year - when mom & dad saw baby for the first time after a difficult labor & c-section they started bawling, and *I* started bawling for them...), but there are times, like the one that I described, that it hits you all over again for the first time.

It's really amazing how that happens. :)

kellyo, LPN · Sep 23, 2005

I have a few things to say on this subject, so bear with me.
I believe that absolutely one can be hired out of nursing school to L&D. I sit in on interviews every year with our school of nursing grads and listen to everyone say, OH, THIS IS ALL I WANT TO DO. Now, please don't take this the wrong way, but, how do you know? Nursing school gives such a small thumbnail of clinical experience to any of the specialites. Lets face it, a lot of clinical is observation in OB and you really don't get to know what goes on. You also most times only take care of one patient and that really doesn't give you the daily experience in the life of and OB floor. It can be down right CHAOTIC. In any case, let me tell you what I look for when I interview. The students who have done externships on our unit usually are the ones who interview, so I know that they have a little understanding of what goes on. I do look at their school record, but not grades...I look at attendance and instructor evaluations. I really want to know about organizational skills, problem solving skills and ability to learn to multitask. I also try to work on the days the students are on the floor, so I can watch their care and how they do while in clinical.
Ok..as for "this is all I want to do". I do believe that there are some that are in the know that this is truly their path. Let me say something to you though. There is more to OB than deliveries, and the joy that comes with it. I came from an ICU/CCU background. I worked in a big teaching facility and small community hospital, both very busy places. When I transferred to OB (after waiting for someone to die to get a position) I had NO OB experience, but the NM took a chance on me and gave me a job. Let me tell you....I work harder by far in OB than I ever have on any other floor. You have to be mentally, physically and emotionally challenged on a regular basis there. Yes you cry at deliveries ( I still do and have seen a gazillion deliveries), but you work your BUTT off also.
Many students that have come with the OB bug make it. Some don't. You wont' know until you try. Some just can't handle the pace, or the emotional stuff, others just don't plain like it like they thought...and that is ok. Go for it and see what happens. ALWAYS be open to learn, always ask questions and always jump in when you can. OB, as well as life, is a roller coaster. Put your arms up and scream!!!!!!!!! It is worth it. I love my job.
Best of luck to you. I wish you well.

Thanks for the advice. While L&D is still number one on my list, I don't completely "know". It's in my heart, and it's where I think I want to be, but I am not closing off my options for other areas, too!

SmilingBluEyes · Sep 23, 2005

I knew it was for me---it was what I wanted and what I went for. No regrets 8 years later.

I have found nurses from other backgrounds need just about as much time orienting and learning as the generic new grad does. It's definately a different world.

Not that having med surg hurts---it's great. But OB is a whole new ball of wax. On that note, do not accept a job that does not offer you at least 6 months or longer for you to orient to the specialty (preferably in the form of a residency or one-on-one preceptorship). Any less, and they are doing you a horrible disservice and you are putting your license on the line.

GOOD LUCK whatever you do decide!

allnurses Guide · Sep 23, 2005

I am a nurse in a rural setting and when I was hired it was with the knowledge that I would learn it all. We do med/surg, OB, postpartum, ER, surgery, etc. Rural nursing - you know a little about alot. That does bother me sometimes . . . it would be nice to be well-grounded and know everything about your speciality . .. but then I couldn't do OB all the time - it would drive me crazy. I love being able to shift gears and do something different. But that is the definition of rural nursing - flexibility.

I have to say that I agree with Deb . . . but we got to go it alone after 10 deliveries . . . .which takes about two months or more in our hospital since we do so few deliveries.

Since I did go into OB so to speak shortly after graduating from nursing school, I'd say yes, you can do it. But as Deb says, make sure you get a good orientation. I'd have to say it took me about 5 years to really feel competent for the difficult deliveries that required rescucitation skills.

I'm one of those nurses who doesn't think you need to do a year in med/surg before going into your speciality area.

You can, but you don't have to.

Good luck,

steph

Siouxz2 · Sep 23, 2005

Babyktchr--

Thanks for your post. I do know enough not to totally discard any other new experiences I'll have in school as a possible career choice. And I do understand that a lot of people go into OB with stars in their eyes, thinking it's all peaches and cream and cute little babies. That's probably how my post came across.

But after being on this earth for 44 years, having babies, adopting babies, losing babies, and seeing the good, bad, and the ugly in life, I'm not naive enough to think that's all there is to L&D. All I can say is all the excitement I felt yesterday was tempered with a very sure "knowing" deep inside. I felt like I was home. I have excelled in all my clinicals, but always felt like a fish out of water before. I know there are immense joys as well as gut-wrenching heartache to be experienced there. And HARD work. I watched those nurses. They're looking for anything that might mean a downturn, yet have to remain cheerful and upbeat, and be a calming influence. I'm willing to work nights, weekends, take extra classes, whatever I need to do to get my foot in the door.

Again, thanks to all for the advice.

babyktchr, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2005

Babyktchr--
Thanks for your post. I do know enough not to totally discard any other new experiences I'll have in school as a possible career choice. And I do understand that a lot of people go into OB with stars in their eyes, thinking it's all peaches and cream and cute little babies. That's probably how my post came across.
But after being on this earth for 44 years, having babies, adopting babies, losing babies, and seeing the good, bad, and the ugly in life, I'm not naive enough to think that's all there is to L&D. All I can say is all the excitement I felt yesterday was tempered with a very sure "knowing" deep inside. I felt like I was home. I have excelled in all my clinicals, but always felt like a fish out of water before. I know there are immense joys as well as gut-wrenching heartache to be experienced there. And HARD work. I watched those nurses. They're looking for anything that might mean a downturn, yet have to remain cheerful and upbeat, and be a calming influence. I'm willing to work nights, weekends, take extra classes, whatever I need to do to get my foot in the door.
Again, thanks to all for the advice.

You know, I think you hit the head right on the nail. Really watch people in OB. The experiences nurses, the midwives, the docs. You will learn so much. Please know that I was not downgrading your experience at all. In fact, I think in your case it was your crossroad, so to speak. If you are willing to put in the time, then I think you should go for it. Do what you can to get your foot in the door, and impress the NM and staff of the OB unit you want to work on. That carries a LOT of weight in an interview, and tells the staff and NM that you are willing to go the distance and become a fabulous OB nurse. I reallly do wish you all of the best. I am really excited for you.

bethth1 · Sep 26, 2005

Hi,

I graduated in Dec 2004. I started as a new grad in L&D. We are expected to rotate throughout our Women's Care Unit. From post hysterectomy patients, to triage, to high risk labor and just plain old labor. We also circulate in the OR for C-sections. I was a doula before I went back to school to become an RN. I also worked on our floor full-time as a Unit Tech. All I ever wanted to do was OB nursing. I was thankful to get the job. I also have 3 children of my own, two born right in our unit. But I often wonder would med/surg experience help me be a better nurse? The reason I wonder is that I don't think I would have gone to school to be a nurse if I wasn't going to work in L&D ultimately. So I am not sure I would make it a year in med/surg.

I am nervous most of the time. That's not to say I don't know what I am doing, but it is just busy and you have to be on your game all the time. Things change rapidly. In one shift, I've had my assignment change 4 times. Sometimes caring for 3 labors in a row. If the baby is not tolerating labor, just reading the strip and making good decisions takes so much out of me. It's very physical too. We also clean up afterward. It's pretty messy work.

The most rewarding part though, is seeing the Dads cry while they meet their child. Watching the woman realize her own strength. Helping them feed the baby at the breast in the first hour of life and knowing that it is one of the best days of their life.

I am a new grad, I started in OB and I think eventually I will be a really good OB nurse. My co-workers promise it starts to feel better after a year or two.

I say go for it.

Mrs.S · Sep 26, 2005

I knew it was for me---it was what I wanted and what I went for. No regrets 8 years later.
I have found nurses from other backgrounds need just about as much time orienting and learning as the generic new grad does. It's definately a different world.
Not that having med surg hurts---it's great. But OB is a whole new ball of wax. On that note, do not accept a job that does not offer you at least 6 months or longer for you to orient to the specialty (preferably in the form of a residency or one-on-one preceptorship). Any less, and they are doing you a horrible disservice and you are putting your license on the line.
GOOD LUCK whatever you do decide!

6 months of orientation to L&D?? None of our area hospitals offer an orientation that long. I oriented 2 weeks to newborn nursery, 2 weeks mom-baby, 8 weeks labor. I thought it could have been longer, but that seems to be a pretty standard orientation compared with other hospitals in this area.

How many other nurses here have had 6 month orientations; if not, how long were they?