OR to L&D? New Grad Seeks Advice

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Apologies in advance if there is already a topic on this...

I'm a new grad, who just started a job in the Operating Room at a high profile hospital. I was convinced throughout nursing school that L&D was my calling, but got discouraged by the time it came to apply to jobs... so I ended up in the OR, and have been there about 4 months. However, I already know the OR is not the environment for me.

I feel deeply that I need to be in L&D. However, I have heard that L&D managers will not hire from the OR. Is this true?

As someone still considered a "new grad," should I bail this early on the OR position and try to find something in OB? Or on a floor somewhere? If I leave now, I'm worried that my short span at my first job will reflect poorly on my professionalism... however, I also don't want to waste time in a job that will not serve my goals.

Thank you so much for any and all comments and opinions. Even if they are harsh, I'd like to hear them!

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

No, it's not true that managers will not hire nurses from the OR. No, you should not bail. I would recommend sticking it out for at least a year before looking elsewhere. Staying there for a year minimum absolutely will serve your greater goals.

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22 hours ago, klone said:

No, it's not true that managers will not hire nurses from the OR. No, you should not bail. I would recommend sticking it out for at least a year before looking elsewhere. Staying there for a year minimum absolutely will serve your greater goals.

Thank you so much for the response! Glad to hear that managers will hire from the OR. At least I will know how to scrub and circulate for C Sections. ?

Do you think it would be a good idea to try to get some experience in a women's health clinic? Like a PRN position? Thanks again for the advice!

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Yes, I definitely think that would strengthen your resume. I would not hesitate to hire someone into OB who has OR AND women's health experience.

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In my L & D we cross train for c-sections, as well as post op recovery, ACLS etc. I think your background is valuable! It doesn’t hurt to look into your hospitals policies regarding unit transfers. If you can tough it out for the next few months to get that magic “year” that would be great, but depending on your geographic area and hiring needs you may be able to get into a new grad program. Also, L&D is sooo specific. In my interviewing, I found new grads or no previous experience in Women's health was doable because you were a blank slate. Even with a trusty med surg foundation background, your not likely doing anything with laboring, lady partsl checks, fetal heart rate monitoring & assesing, induction drugs, delivery, breast feeding, etc. It’s a unique setting. Best of luck! It is an awesome specialty, and you either love it or hate it! Good luck, and don’t give up! Keep us updated

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