Student wanting job in L&D

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

I have 2 years of my bsn program left and I'm very keen on getting a job in the only birth unit in my city. It's very competitive, a prestigious hospital, and I know I'll need something to get me noticed when I'm out of school. I've applied for several entry level jobs in this unit and have yet to get a response. Is there anything I can do as a student to increase my odds of getting hired there?

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Specializes in ICU.

I don't know where you're located, but where I am, L&D requires a MINIMUM 1 year of med/surg experience before you would even be considered. Plus my facility has an OB fellowship that is required after the 1 year of experience.

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All of the job postings for RNs that ive seen in this unit state a minimum of 1 year acute care experience, however i do know that they hire graduate nurses and give them extra orientation. I want to know how I can be one of those lucky graduate nurses... lol

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All of the job postings for RNs that ive seen in this unit state a minimum of 1 year acute care experience, however i do know that they hire graduate nurses and give them extra orientation. I want to know how I can be one of those lucky graduate nurses... lol

It might not help, but it wouldn't hurt to get your NRP, take an EFM course, and a human lactation/breastfeeding education course.

Also volunteer in mother baby if you can.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I agree about NRP, EFM, and lactation certification. It all helps. I also have ACLS, though my unit doesn't require it.

If you can get some experience helping moms learn to breastfeed, that would be very useful when you apply. You can try finding out if there are any volunteer positions there so they know your name and your face.

Good luck!

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I am a new graduate nurse who has just accepted a position on L&D! I recommend getting doula experience if possible, volunteering or doing cna work on mother/baby or L&D, and NETWORKING. Join AWHONN as a student and attend a local meeting. Reach out to L&D nurses or midwives that work on that hospital and express interest in the field/seek their advice...and stay in contact with them! Good luck :D

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Specializes in OB, Postpartum, Nursery.

Get your certs ACLS BLS NRP STABLE. CERT LACTATION SPECIALIST so youwill be baby friendy. AWHONN has a conference this month. A few others coming up in Las Vegas. Yes Doula is great non medical side.

I will message you.

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Following! I want to be an L&D nurse. I've a tried doula, and have attended 8 births, and am trying to figure out what else I need to do to help make myself better looking to future employers.

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