question for those in L&D

sdzta · Jun 18, 2005

I think some people think that all OB nurses do is sit around, eat bon bons, and rock babies. There is so much more to it that that. Others do not see past that.
Some find that post partum is extremely boring. That can happen with nursery as well.
Then people jump into L&D and are NOT prepared for how stressful it can be. It's usually an adrenalin rush much of the time and some find that taking care of one you can see and the other you cannot see is too much.
It takes at least a year to even begin to feel comfortable with L&D. Some just find out that it isn't at all what they had envisioned.

I'm sure some people do think that. Just like what people think about teaching...that it isn't that much work..which is WRONG. I am a teacher and it is a lot of work for very little money. I guess unless you are actually involved in something you don't really know what it consists of.

My aunt was a Labor and Delivery, PP , nursery and NICU nurse. I have heard all about it from her! I also volunteered in a hospital for about 5 years before I started college the first time. I have had 2 children and have tried to make it to every birth in my family..which is MANY..lol. I think of course there will be some things I'll be surprised about and of course A LOT I dont' know yet, but I do have a pretty good idea of what to expect. As of now L&D or post partum are really the only areas I think I'd be really happy in.

It is somewhat discouraging though to see ads that all require experience that you can't get unless someone gives you an opportunity. I guess I have 2 more years to go before I have to cross that bridge though:).

thanks for all the advice everyone!

BABYRN916 · Jun 20, 2005

HI,
I was just accepted into nursing school and have always wanted to work labor and delivery. My question is how did you all get into L&D when all positions open seem to require a year of L&D experience.
thanks for you answers!

I was a student nurse on postpartum/GYN unit for 1 1/2 years while still in nursing school. My manager knew what my interest was, and when I graduated, there was an opening. I took it and four years later I have advanced my career in labor and delivery. Maternal health experience would be the best way to start, but any hopital job that you can have on a med surg floor would also help!

epiphany · Jun 25, 2005

Just graduated, and I did get an offer from L&D even though I wasn't really focussed on it. I was just going to lots of interviews. Many in my class did get L&D, for those who actively pursued it.

This is my experience in a big city, so take it for what it is. Now I would advise new students to find externships in L&D as way in to the door. During the internship application, in the junior year, the students who applied early had more choices of what floors to work. Once the manager feels comfortable with you, they want you back. This happened with a lot of my classmates in all floors. Some goes for job applications - apply early. We graduated end May, and if you actively send out resumes (don't forget to get those recommendation letters early as well) a month before, and have your suits ready when they call you, it seemed that was the time hospitals were looking to fill positions, so get in there first. Good luck.