Pediatrics Versus OB - What Should I Choose?

[cblim]

I'm in my final year of nursing school and my application to choose what to capstone in next semester is due this Friday. I always thought I would choose pediatrics, but now I'm questioning if I should choose OB.

The problem is that they've combined the peds and maternity clinicals this semester so that we get 5 weeks in peds and 4 weeks in maternity (1 shift per week). I've already had 3 weeks in peds but I have no idea what to expect for maternity.

For our application, we're supposed to list our top 3 choices. Part of me wants to list OB as my #1 choice because I find the class material more interesting, but I think it's a huge gamble considering I've never been in OB clinical yet. Can anyone tell me what I can expect in OB and some of the pros and cons of peds versus OB?

[DalekRN]

I think you might be thinking too much... This won't determine your career. You'll learn a lot in both

[cblim]

I think so, too. I'm sure that I'll be able to manage whatever I end up with and learn a lot. I just want something where at the end of the day I can go, "Wow, that was great. I can't wait until my next shift," versus just trying to get through it.

[thedewey]

I am in the same boat! Trying to decide between OB and Peds. Either one I believe will be great for me. Good luck!

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I think so, too. I'm sure that I'll be able to manage whatever I end up with and learn a lot. I just want something where at the end of the day I can go, "Wow, that was great. I can't wait until my next shift," versus just trying to get through it.

:) Well, even if you don't get to do that (and you probably will enjoy your experience in either one), it will still be a valuable learning experience, just maybe a different lesson than you were thinking. ("How to get through" is something you'll have more practice with, I promise!)