Published
You need:
*To have graduated from an accredited program of nursing (ADN BSN or diploma---or LPN in some areas---but some hospitals do not use LPNs in OB)
*Passed NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN and have valid and current licensure in your State of Residency/where you plan to work.
*Other than that, they do prefer at least 2-3 years' experience in some acute care unit of nursing (hospital experience)---- prior to hiring in OB, but NOT ALWAYS. You CAN secure internships/residencies to get trained and started as a new grad in OB.
*Current CPR card.
*Currently updated on all shots/TB skin tests
*You will need also, usually within 6 months of hire, your NRP (neonatal resuscitation program) and eventually, Fetal Heart Monitoring classes/certification (depending on organization).
Good luck. Hope I helped you. My best advice, is, go for your RN and then go from there.
Thank you! Wow you all are sure fast on a reply!!
That is very encouraging. I was figuring on securing my RN, working to get my foot in the door and gain experience, then maybe returning to school to get my BSN. I just wanted to make sure that whatever path I take, I will be able to get into L&D because it is truly what I have wanted to do for a LONG time, just never had the courage to go for it until now. Even then I am still scared because it is a long journey and there is SO much to learn.
I will never forget the kindness of my nurses when I had my first 2 babies. They were wonderful and I thought that they must have one of the best jobs in the world to help women birth their babies and support them in doing so. Don't get me wrong, I am not naive, I know there are some terribly sad times in the job too, but still I believe it has to be very rewarding for those who have a passion for it:)
Thanks again for the advice, hopefully one day, I will be on these boards as a RN too!
~Melissa
*To have graduated from an accredited program of nursing (ADN BSN or diploma---or LPN in some areas---but some hospitals do not use LPNs in OB)
*Passed NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN and have valid and current licensure in your State of Residency/where you plan to work.
*Other than that, they do prefer at least 2-3 years' experience in some acute care unit of nursing (hospital experience)---- prior to hiring in OB, but NOT ALWAYS. You CAN secure internships/residencies to get trained and started as a new grad in OB.
*Current CPR card.
*Currently updated on all shots/TB skin tests
*You will need also, usually within 6 months of hire, your NRP (neonatal resuscitation program) and eventually, Fetal Heart Monitoring classes/certification (depending on organization).
Good luck. Hope I helped you. My best advice, is, go for your RN and then go from there.
diznymom
2 Posts
Hi.
I am brand new here. I am finally going to school this fall to become a nurse and my interest is in labor and delivery. I am an ex-doula and childbirth educator ( meaning (ex) because I no longer practice ).
I am planning on just getting my basic RN. I am a young mom with 2 toddlers and a baby due in December, so it will take me a long time, but I am also on a major budget. That being said, I cannot afford to go to get a BSN at this time. I wanted to know if you are required to have a BSN to work in Labor and Delivery. What is the best way to go? I am starting at the very beginning so I don't want to go a route that will delay my goals. From what I have read, you do not need a BSN, but I wanted to hear it from women who actually work in this field, who have "been there and done that" :)
If anyone has some tips, that would be awesome! Thanks for helping me out!
~Melissa
future nurse and mommy to Owen, Aidyn and Baby #3 edd 12/22