Obstetrics Nurse

SheaOBRN · May 7, 2008

Hello! I have worked at a few different places now and all have not hired LPN's in Labor and Delivery....I have worked with some LPN's that were in post partum though-although they couldn't give IV meds or drips. My best suggestion is to go ahead and get your BSN, then there are no restraints to you and you can be eligible for management as well (if you are interested!)

oties101 · May 7, 2008

Thanks! I'm really trying to do it without the four year degree. Maybe this is the wrong forum to ask this question, but what about x-ray techs? How would you compare thier job to the jobs of nurses?

dallet6 · May 13, 2008

The college I will be attending offers an ADN program, so after the two years you are qualified to take the NCLEX and become an RN. The LPN program is 4 quarters. The RN program is 7. I'm not sure if this is the same program she is speaking of.

kiramay · May 15, 2008

I just graduated from a two year ADN program and its hard to get an OB job as a new grad, no matter what degree, around here. Most hospitals I've looked at want the OB nurses to have some experience.

Christine

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 15, 2008

Associate Degreed RNs enjoy a wide variety of RN bedside positions to include all specialties to include OB, critical care, emergency, on and on and on.

Relax, the whole wide world of nursing is open to you. However, as was said above, some jobs are harder to get than others. OB, especially Labor and Delivery are one of the most popular RN jobs and may not have the need right away, so you might have to go into another area such as post-partum, med-surg, etc. to get experience. But the degree isn't what would hold you back, it would be demand. Good luck!

The BSN is good for beyond the bedside in administration, teaching, research, etc.

LuvofNursing, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 28, 2009

Although a little late, i think it is important to say that getting hired into obstetrics straight out of school is difficult regardless of degree (like mentioned earlier), but you can increase your chances substantially by increasing your knowledge of this field. You can become a doula, get NRP certified, you get attend an ALSO class (if in the area), try to become a student nurse and get placed or float to OB, become a unit clerk in OB, become a member of AWHONN (this not only shows your motivation, but it provides many educational opportunities and two magazine subscriptions...and if you are able to attend a conference, that is wonderful for networking), pick your OB instructors brain or talk to hiring managers about what they feel would best prepare you for the field.

I am a graduate of an ADN (RN) program, and out of a class where approximately only 15-20 out of 80 students were hired within the first 3 months of graduation, I was hired into an obstetric unit.

Although i didn't do all of the things i listed above, i did float to postpartum/nursery when i could, i joined AWHONN a year before graduating, I became ACLS and NRP certified and I spoke with an L&D hiring manager about qualifications that would show my desire and knowledge about the specialty....

I hope this helps. I know it seems like a lot of extra work, but if you truly want to become an OB nurse, those who are hiring you need to know that you have put a lot of thought into it.

good luck to all those entering OB!