New grads in L&D?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

I am curious to hear from those who went into L&D as a new grad and what your experience was. I went into nursing wanting to work L&D and this is truly where my heart is. I have heard time and time again that med/surg experience is very valuable, and I will put in my time if neccessary, but really don't want to. I will graduate in March, 2004 and plan on starting to look into internships in my area in the next month or two to see when they start and get my name in the hat. Any advice would be grealty appreciated :0)

Court

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I did it and never regretted it. You can learn the same organizational skills on the floor in L&D as you will in med-surg. I have oriented new staff and not noticed a difference between those that had med-surg time and new grads. Whether you'll be a good L&D nurse depends more on your personality than whether or not you did 6 months on med surg. The areas are so different, that being good at one doesn't mean you'll be good at the other.

I personally disagree with the idea that med-surg is the foundation for all areas of nursing. In reality, it is a specialty like any other and deserves to be recognized as such. Plus, I would imagine med-surg nurses get tired of training new staff that are just there to "put in their time" before moving elsewhere.

Some new nurses do feel that they need time on a medical floor, but if you don't I see no reason to work there. There is nothing worse than a nurse who doesn't like her job:)

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

ITA w/Fergus. Straight into L and D out of school here, myself. NO regrets and YES I am organized and DO NOT think I needed to "put in my time" in med-surg to do so. It's not easy but breaking into ANY area of nursing out of school never, ever is!!!!! I also concur w/Fergus; med-surg IS a speciality in and of itself and deserves equal recognition as such. The high turnover rate there must be discouraging to those who stay! Good luck you!!!

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I want to go the same route. I'm with you juji. I just wanted to say thanks for asking that question. I've thought about working Med-Surg "for the experience" but if it's not required, why do something that I don't have to (or want to for that matter). I'd rather work in an atmosphere that I would enjoy.

:) KELLY GIRL;)

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

It depends on the unit. MANY do NOT HIRE people without experience. Others LOVE to. You need to consider where you will work and ask the right questions. Good luck.

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Specializes in LDRP; Education.

ITA with Deb and Tracy. I went right into L&D as a new grad and never regretted it.

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Thanks for your input :0) This gives me some confidence in my decision. I am a little worried about even getting into L&D straight out of school, due to demand, but that is why I want to find out when internships in my area start in the next year so I can get my foot in the door. I guess it does all depend on if the unit is willing to take on new grads. My impression is that hospitals tend to do it once a year.

Court

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Where in "NW US" are you? I am near Seattle. There ARE hospitals here that offer L and D internships EVERY year. CHECK AROUND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I can only speak for Puget Sound region, however).;)

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Smiling, I live near Portland. There are atleast 2 major health systems here that I want to work for and I will be researching them soon :0) Thanks,

Court

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A fellow student took a part time job in L&D as a NAC while attending school. She graduated and is now an LPN in that department.

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