Question from a nursing student to experienced nurses.

[Skips, MSN, RN]

Hello! I am currently going into my second year of a BSN program in the fall.

I am interested in going into OB after graduation (if that's even possible with so many people wanting to go into it).

I wanted to serve the community, as well as have some pertinent (sorta) experience with pregnant women. So, I am a volunteer as a client advocate for a pregnancy counseling center. My job is to help a client take a pregnancy test, help clients with STD testing and referrals, and just in general listen to clients when they have questions or concerns. I also provide orientation to our pregnant clients if they want to participate in our program to earn baby items. They attend prenatal appointments and parenting classes, which give them points to earn toward baby items.

The center is pro-life, and I don't know if that will make some managers not want to hire me because of that. We do reach out to the community and work with social services and hospitals.

I guess what I'm trying to ask is, will this help me in the long run in getting a job in an acute care OB setting? I know that these crisis centers are generally pro-life, and some women don't agree with that. My job is to help women, and I certainly don't have a political agenda to throw at them. I genuinely enjoy talking with my clients and helping them through a stressful time. Thanks in advance.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

not every hospital does abortions -- in fact, fewer and fewer places are available for women who choose to terminate their pregnancies. i don't imagine you'd have any issues at all in a hospital that does not do abortions. most hospitals run by religious institutions would probably love to see you coming. the only time it would be an issue is if you wanted to work in a hospital that does do abortions. if that is the case, be prepared to address that issue in your interviews.

[prmenrs, RN]

I agree w/Ruby--go for a Catholic hospital. And be prepared to, @ a moment's notice, put on your professional, non-judgemental case! It's a useful skill in a variety of settings.

Best of luck.

[babyktchr, BSN, RN]

As a manager, I look for acute care experience when I hire. While what you are doing is great experience...it would not necessarily sway me in the hiring process if I aspire to hire an experience nurse. It would, however, be a plus to me if I were in the market for a new grad.

You will have to ultimately stand by your convictions. If pro-life is your way, then a religion affliliated facility may be the way to go. While many hospitals really don't do abortions anymore, there are elective terminations (at least in my facility) for profound anomalies (anacepahaly for one) that may interfere with your pro-life stance. Just stuff to think about.

Good luck to you...

[Skips, MSN, RN]

I'm actually respectful of both sides of the issue. I just like working with pregnant clients. Thanks for the responses!