The "no experience" conundrum

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery, Orthopedic.

Hi! I'm Jenn, an RN in WA state. I have been an RN for 4 years now and have wanted to work in OB/L & D since before I ever started nursing school. I am not having much luck. Unless you have some sort of "in" it is very diffucult to get a position on those floors without experience in the specialty. and of course how in the heck are you supposed to get experience if no one will hire you? So how did you all do it? I thought about paying to get some of the certifications like fetal heart monitoring and neonatal resuscitation but it seems like the only places that offer those classes are the hospitals which are sponsoring them for their employees only. Would a memership with AWHONN matter much to possible employers? I would like to be able to talk to the nurse manager on the unit but I'm not sure what I would say if I got him/her on the phone. Also, most communication from potential employees is done through the nurse recruiter ~ would it be wrong or unprofessional to try and get in touch with the manger without going through the recruiter? I am at a loss and feeling a bit blah and unfulfilled in most other specialties.

Any advice?

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Specializes in nursery, L and D.

I would say go ahead and call the NM if you have no luck with the recruiter. What could it hurt? All they can say is no, right?

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Specializes in High Risk In Patient OB/GYN.

Can you get experience in Post Partum? Around here, and in many other places, those jobs are frequently available (for a number of reasons), the same not being as true for L&D. That way you'll have related experience and will get the NRP.

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

Not an OB nurse, but I am in the ER, an area that is also notoriously hard to get into without experience or an "in." Maybe look into a larger hospital that has a fellowship program. My hospital has fellowships for new grads as well as experienced RNs looking to change their specialty. They come with a work requirement - usually around 2 years - but then you can leave and go to your preferred hospital.

Just a thought :)

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery, Orthopedic.

I already am planning on going post partum first as a stepping stone (or not if I find that I really like it). That limits me a little because in our city there are 4 hospitals but only 2 have postpartum and L & D separate ~ but those 2 hospitals are where I am focusing my energy.

I haven't heard anything about fellowships ~ Is this something I would have to ask about and that wouldn't be advertised? But it would be great if it was available.

Thanks you guys ~ keep the tips coming!

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Specializes in Med/Surg; Psych; Tele.

Northwest Jenn....I have been having the exact same problem as you. And like you, I have known that I have wanted to be in a certain specialty since nursing school. I have asked people, "What the heck do I have to do to get into the CCU/ICU - sell my soul??". I recently tried the route of talking directly to the critical care manager at my own facility. She acted quite enthusiastic at first, but then later changed her tune for some unknown reason (before she even gave me a chance at a formal interview). What really burns me is seeing new grads getting hired into the ICU!!!!!!!!!!

My charge is always commenting on my highly exceptional cardiac skillls and I am a member of Sigma Theta Tau....One would think that critical care managers would be all over someone like me!!! I just don't get it!

Sorry, didn't mean to hijack your thread here...just wanted you to know that you are not alone in this kind of struggle!

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Specializes in OB.

Where are you in WA? There are a lot of hospitals on the west side that do residencies in L&D. I was hired on where I work with no experience as a nurse at all. However, I did do my senior practicum in L&D so that helped.

I was also hired on at a hospital in the Spokane area without experience (but didnt take the job).

I dont think its unprofessional to talk directly to the nurse manager, or send your resume and letter of interest directly to them.

PM me if you want any more info!

Good Luck!

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Jenn, I've just been accepted into nursing school this fall (in WA) and I have wanted to be a L&D nurse forever. I'm curious about what hospitals you are hoping to get into. I'll also be eagerly looking forward to helpful hints and suggestions from other posters... and YOU once you finally get there!! Much good luck to you! 5.gif

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Specializes in Labor and Delivery, Orthopedic.

Well I am glad to know that I am not alone! :) I was actually this close to getting on with postpartum 2 different times at Deaconess in Spokane. Both were supplemental positions. The first time I had to let it go because I just found out I was pregnant and needed benefits. The other times I ran into a bunch of red tape trying to work supplemental on 2 different units. But hmmm....I left that hospital on good terms so I may check in with her and see about a supplemental (now supplemental works perfect for our family). The other major hospital in town is Sacred Heart and that's the one that I really want because their pay scales are better and they offer 12 hour shifts for postpartum (Deac is doing 8's). They have several positions listed on their website and it says they only require hospital experience. I put in my app/resume and the recruiter said they are holding out on interviewing people with no postpartum until they see what kind of response they get from those with the desired experience. (Why couldn't they have put that on the ad if that was what they wanted?) Oh well, it's in and I'm just calling the recruiter once a week to check in and thinking maybe I should call the nurse manger but I don't even know who that is right now. I do have ACLS so I guess that's a plus.

When I was in school we had a quarter where we did 3 weeks of postpartum/L & D. Everyone had to do it. I wanted to go back for more in depth clinical training when it was time for the practicum (we called in Capstone) but unfortunately our school required that we do our Capstone at an out-of-hospital site.

I am still hopeful ~ just realizing that I may have to get a bit more bold and creative to get what I want! :)

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Specializes in L & D and Mother-Baby.

Northwest Jenn,

My first job out of school was a Mother Baby unit which was completely separate from L & D. I kept calling the hospital of my choice, emailing the manager and basically bugging her! She finally agreed to hire me for full time night position with a six month training to L & D. I have now been there almost 2 years and love it! Just be persistent and your dreams will come true!

Good Luck.

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