Question About New Nurses Starting Out in Antepartum

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I am working as a nurse extern in antepartum, which I absolutely love. Things are going really well and they have shown an interest in hiring me after I graduate in December.

My problem is I've been told it is a bad idea to start out in antepartum, that I should do labor and delivery first. That l&d nurses can easily transition into antepartum but antepartum nurses have a hard time moving into l&d, so starting in antepartum will really limit my career choices.

I really, really enjoy antepartum, but I don't want to make it hard for me to find a job in the future.

I appreciate any thoughts you have about antepartum vs. labor and delivery for a new nurse.

Thank you!

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It depends on what type of unit you are hired to. On my unit we are all cross-trained to do all aspects: antepartum, L&D, postpartum, nursery. Of course there are some nurses who have definite strengths in one area, and other nurses who lament that they get "stuck" often in one area. A new grad orientation is 18 weeks (I think) and includes all areas.

I have a friend who was hired out of nursing school onto an antepartum unit with the goal of getting into L&D. She soon saw that her chances were slim, and transfered to Peds...which she now loves.

When it comes your time to decide where to work....do your research and keep your eyes wide open as you visit the units.

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I am working as a nurse extern in antepartum, which I absolutely love. Things are going really well and they have shown an interest in hiring me after I graduate in December.

My problem is I've been told it is a bad idea to start out in antepartum, that I should do labor and delivery first. That l&d nurses can easily transition into antepartum but antepartum nurses have a hard time moving into l&d, so starting in antepartum will really limit my career choices.

I really, really enjoy antepartum, but I don't want to make it hard for me to find a job in the future.

I appreciate any thoughts you have about antepartum vs. labor and delivery for a new nurse.

Thank you!!!

Antepartum first! I have been an L&D nurse for 20 years. I watch new people and precept often. L&D is way too intensive. If you get you PP and NSY experience forst, then go to L&D you hae three specialties and you are far more marketable: especially if you want to go to an LDRP unit. Learn to teach about breastfeeding, you need your neonatal resuscitation certification before you can do L&D officially anyway.

Start slow and you'll haev soe great experience. Learn to take care of two people you can see (mother and newborn) before you have to take care of two (one you cannot see).

Best of luck.

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Specializes in Nurse Manager, Labor and Delivery.

I really don't see how antepartum first would be a career ender by any means. When I precept new nurses. I like them to get as much strip interpretation time in as possible...really learn pathophysiology and get comfy with monitored patients. I think starting there would be a plus...then move to L&D where you would have the advantage of already knowing some monitoring. Cross training seems to be key in this specialty, so gaining knowledge and expertise in all areas (ldr, nursery, postpartum, antepartum) would be a plus in any situation.

Good luck to you

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

It's no career-ender. It sounds like a great start to me. you will learn so much! Good luck to you!

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I started in Anteparum 5 years ago as a new grad I love it. I am transfering to labor and deliver hopefully within the next year (to get L&D days at my hospital it is a 5 year waiting list or so, I went on the list 4 years ago. I could transfer to nights at anytime. 2 years ago they changed the rules and anyone not in L&D can only transfer to open postions (nights) since I was already on the list I stayed on the list. When I transfer it is a one shot deal I am the last Antepartum nurse that can transfer to days) with that all said I know I will be a far better L&D nurse because of my experience in Antepartum. I see the progression of things like PTL, PIH, HELLP not just the end product that calls for delivery. If you know you want to L&D eventually check into your hospitals transfer policy. Yes i am going to L&D for the experience but i have a feeling I will be back doing Antepartum I LOVE IT

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Specializes in L&D/MB/LDRP.

I'm an L&D nurse and the unit I started on was L&D/ANTE. So I learned my antepartum skills as an L&D nurse. I found it super easy to learn antepartum care. I have heard other L&D nurses say how difficult it is to transition from Ante to L&D. I can see that b/c the intensity level is so much different in L&D. If your ultimate goal is to work L&D, just absorb all the knowledge you can while in ante. Hopefully you'll transition fine.

As for career ender....I'm not sure how marketable you will be if you only have ante experience. A lot of units have L&D & Ante combined.

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