Should I go into L&D as a new grad?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

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Dear Nurse Beth,

I am in my 3rd semester of a 4 semester ADN program. I am currently enrolled in a BSN bridge program as well. I am set to obtain my ADN in December 2019. I have a question about specializing. I went into nursing with the intention of working in women's health. I would like to ultimately work labor and delivery for 2 to 3 years and then enroll in a certified nurse midwife program. After speaking to more experienced nurses I have been cautioned against going into labor and delivery right away. They say the field is too narrow and I'll never be able to work anywhere else if I choose this path. Most of them say to work on a med/surg acute care floor for 2 years first. I am open to suggestions and just want to gain experience that will benefit my patients in the long run. I would appreciate your always sound advice Nurse Beth!

Dear ADN in 2019,

Congrats, the end of nursing school is in sight!

Working 1-2 years outside of L&D before you specialize is not bad advice. The experienced nurses you've talked to have seen new grads go straight to areas such as OR, L&D, or dialysis, and have also seen how challenging it is to change specialities later.

Spending the first year learning fundamental nursing skills and gaining exposure to all sorts of patient conditions benefits your practice in the long run.

In the end, when you are a Certified Nurse Midwife, you will not have what-if regrets and you will have a broader foundation.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!