JJDina

I currently work there! I can't speak for the new grad program, but one of the nurses just hired to our unit has done it. She's doing a really great job, so I think the new grad program prepared her for it. Feel free to ask more questions and I can always bug her about it. I know they go through a long program of skills, lectures, etc and then time on each unit. Then you apply to three units and interview. Her first choice was our unit and that's what she got. :)

After I graduated from my BSN program my husband and I decided to start trying. He was deploying in June though so we didn't really think it would happen before then. Well, it did. I still applied! I figured I could work out something if I got hired, which I did end up doing. I have gotten pregnant at extremely unplanned times (my last one being after we moved to Maryland - I wanted a job right away but found out I was pregnant and it was high risk/complicated) - but 5m after having her I received a job interview! When they interviewed me I told them the reasoning for my recent gap in employment. The nurse manager appreciated it. And I got the job offer the next day. If I was you, working on BSN stuffs would be a good idea! But still apply. Maybe look for something part time. You never know what might happen. Best of luck!

I agree with the above. The hospital I work at (and delivered at) is big on everyone feeling comfortable and competent before going off of orientation. I had my daughter at exactly 7pm and the new nurse off orientation was coming on to take care of me - the nurse manager was in there with her and the nurse from the day shift stayed to help out. I also had the whole NICU team in there too (IUGR babe, placental abruption during labor). And I have no idea how it would have gone without all those extra hands ! Maybe you should bring up your concerns? No one wants to feel unsafe. Especially on a L&D floor. So much can happen! I worked at a very small hospital before this (I think they had 2-3 L&D rooms?). I have NO idea how they did it there. I worked med-surg and I remember they asked if I could float over there until the nurse came in, I thought I was going to lose my marbles. Thankfully, the nurse manager and DON came over to help me out (nothing chaotic happened thank goodness). I would really bring up your concerns - no shame in that. And stay on orientation longer (which they should allow), if you don't feel comfortable yet!