postpartum transferrable skills?

Published

Specializes in primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, NICU.

I have two years of med/surg experience. In my previous life, I was a case manager for medically fragile children for 7 years. While in nursing school for my BSN, I worked for the health department/WIC program doing health assessments on pregnant moms, children under age 5 and infants as well. I did breastfeeding education and nutrition counseling as part of my position.

My question: I have applied for post partum/mother baby positions and all our hospitals want at least two years of LD and mother/baby experience. I have med/surg experience only. Why won't they accept my non-nursing experience in addition to med/surg? I also have ACLS, PALS and NRP. Do you have any suggestions?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
I have two years of med/surg experience. In my previous life, I was a case manager for medically fragile children for 7 years. While in nursing school for my BSN, I worked for the health department/WIC program doing health assessments on pregnant moms, children under age 5 and infants as well. I did breastfeeding education and nutrition counseling as part of my position.

My question: I have applied for post partum/mother baby positions and all our hospitals want at least two years of LD and mother/baby experience. I have med/surg experience only. Why won't they accept my non-nursing experience in addition to med/surg? I also have ACLS, PALS and NRP. Do you have any suggestions?

Apply elsewhere. Any OB nurse manager who would turn away a candidate with your background is just plain foolish!

Of course, everyone WANTS experienced nurses. But in this day and age, they do not exist in sufficient numbers to adequately staff nursing units. As a former NICU manager, I would have killed for a new staff member with your background. Check into NICU, PICU, peds. Try large teaching hospitals and children's hospitals. Don't give up!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, NICU.

Thank you so much for your kind reply. I was starting to think that my state (Oregon) might have too many available PP nurses. I WILL try again!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Apply elsewhere. Any OB nurse manager who would turn away a candidate with your background is just plain foolish!

Of course, everyone WANTS experienced nurses. But in this day and age, they do not exist in sufficient numbers to adequately staff nursing units. As a former NICU manager, I would have killed for a new staff member with your background. Check into NICU, PICU, peds. Try large teaching hospitals and children's hospitals. Don't give up!

I agree 100%!!!!!:balloons:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I agree; go elsewhere. Clearly this unit is missing the boat regarding passing you up. Your skills are invaluable and should be better-recognized by a more astute manager/unit.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion