Secretly seeking L&D

[LoveANurse09]

So glad to have found this forum! I'm a new RN graduated last spring. I did an clinical preceptorship on a busy high risk LDRP unit and absolutely loved it:redbeathe! I know its where I want to be. Was unable to find a job as they are not available to new grads and was lucky to get the job I have now in cardiac due to how bad things are with jobs right now.

I like cardiac, I've really learned alot but dread going to work every night. Not because I can't handle it but because I know long term I don't plan on staying. I've considered applying for per diem positions on L&D to get my foot in the door or until something opens up,but I don't want my boss to know I"m looking around you know? We have had alot of people leave our unit recently and I kinda feel bad for wanting to jump.I want to obtain some certifications too to boost my app.Would my cardiac experience look favorable on an app?Any advice?!

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

i don't necessarily think it's a bad thing to let your boss know that you have other interests. Cardiac nursing isn't for everyone. Take a per diem job in an l and d - make no secret about it but while you are on the cardiac floor, give it your all - let your boss see that you have a good work ethic. This way you won't burn any bridges once you get that full time l and d position. Good luck

[NurseNora, BSN, RN]

I doubt you will be able to find a per diem in L&D if you have no experience in it. It takes a while to learn L&D (even though your preceptorship was in OB) and no one is willing to train a per diem.

Cardiac is a good background for you. Most L&D nurses are happiest with things that happen in the pelvis and chest complaints are not our thing (gross generalization). So having a nurse with cardiac experience is welcomed, especially in a high risk center where they are more likely to have women with cardiac problems delivering.

[LoveANurse09]

I doubt you will be able to find a per diem in L&D if you have no experience in it. It takes a while to learn L&D (even though your preceptorship was in OB) and no one is willing to train a per diem.

Cardiac is a good background for you. Most L&D nurses are happiest with things that happen in the pelvis and chest complaints are not our thing (gross generalization). So having a nurse with cardiac experience is welcomed, especially in a high risk center where they are more likely to have women with cardiac problems delivering.

well thanks, I won't waste time on a per diem. Good to know my cardiac experience will be useful! I'll work on certifications in the meantime.

[LDR-RN]

I work in LDR, there is no way I could see our unit hiring a PRN LDR nurse with no experience. What I did after I got out of school, was to get a job on OB/Gyn which is postpartum and gyn. This way I got experience and met people in the department. Then, when a LDR position became available, I applied. This seemed to work for me. It gives you a chance to show that you really work hard and want to work in LDR. I don't know how it is in other hospitals, but if you have already got your foot in the door, it's easier to get a job in LDR.