some things a prenursing student can do to enhance a future career in Ob-gyn nursing?

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Hi everyone! I am a prenursing student with hopes of one day becoming an Ob-gyn nurse.

Are there any things that I can do prior to nursing school to enhance my chances of becoming an Ob-gyn nurse? I didn't get into nursing school for this cycle and am reapplying, but I have a great shot of getting in next year. I am determined not to waste this year, and have already gotten a job with a home health company.

I know that the best thing I can do is get a job at a hospital as an aide on an OB floor, however that may not be possible anytime soon.

I have called Planned Parenthood and am working on getting started as a volunteer. Other than this, what else can I do? I've heard people talking about doulas- what is this, how long is training, and can I do this before nursing school? Would it help? What about becoming a "childbirth educator" through Lamaze?

Any tips would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!!

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I have been a doula for several years, and I do believe the experience is very helpful! A doula helps the mother and partner through the birth process by providing physical and emotional support (massaging the mama, helping with comfort measures, answering questions). All of the care is non-medical. Typically, you will have a few visits with the mother before the birth, getting to know her and her goals for her birth experience.

The training I took was a weekend through DONA, which is a pretty well-recognized organization. You can (and I believe, should) do this before nursing school. I actually know of a few hospitals in my area that require L&D nurses to take a doula training. I think having those doula skills is essential to being a good nurse.

I think being a childbirth educator would be great experience, too, but in my opinion, in order to be a good teacher, you need to be really knowledgeable about the topic. I'd probably spend some time attending births as a doula before teaching classes on birth.

In my essay to get into nursing school, I actually wrote the bulk of it about my doula experiences! I'm now getting ready to finish up my final term of the program, spending my final preceptorship in L&D! Good luck to you!

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I asked a similar question here:

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/what-can-i-576395.html

Its not OB/GYN specific, but you may find some helpful information there! :)

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