Tips on how to get into post partum in my hospital

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Apr 14, 2015

It is bad form and even deceptive, to be focused on a transfer after only one month of employment and while still in your probationary period.

That is not the way to develop a reputation as a mature, responsible and trustworthy person. In fact you will look ungrateful and manipulative for taking this position when you had no intention of staying.

After one year in Med Surg, you could ask to cross train or apply for a transfer and request a job shadow when an opening is posted. Do not do this until you have the approval of your manager as she could refuse to release you.

I know that this may sound harsh but right now you really need to focus on being exceptional in your current unit before asking to be considered for a transfer to a very desirable unit.

Postpartum RN · Apr 14, 2015

Thanks for the advice. I have been trying to get into mother/baby/ob since I graduated nursing school (and actually any acute care position). It has taken me over 5 years to land an cute care position, it is that competitive in my area. I dont think it is "deceptive" of me to be thinking about my future and my "dream"job of where I want to be. I am finally in acute, so I am sooo close, but also dont want to get "stuck" at my current job and have to wait several more years to get into post partum. Thats why I am starting to plan early on how I should act. On my unit, there is a high turnover rate. Tons of new grads are hired, work for a while and then move on to where they want to go. I would not be considering moving out after 6 months if there was a hardship or shortage of nurses on my unit. From what I have heard from the other nurses on my unit, this manager is very "pro" of nurses getting their experience and moving on. I have been told that she doesnt want people to work here forever, she believes in getting people to where they truly want to be. So hearing this gave me even more motivation to move to post partum after atleast 6 months...I am planning on speaking to my manager about it in a few months, I am not looking to blindside her

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Apr 14, 2015

I would stay for six months to a year then ask for a transfer. See what the transfer policy is and follow that.

Dranger · Apr 16, 2015

I would stay at least a year. 6 months is next to nothing as that pretty much encompasses your residency/probation time.

M/B destroys your general nursing skill set (my gf did M/B) so a little time as m/s nurse might be beneficial. You don't want to be one of those nurses who gets into acute care then dips out to pursue what they want immediately. They gave you a shot, at least respect that.

SimplisticRnx · Apr 18, 2015

Alinarn, I would suggest you to stick with your current position for a year before consider transferring. It shows to managers that you are capable of sticking around in the long run. I know medsurg isn't the ideal place to work, but it does give you a sense of security should anything happen in the future (e.g. hiring freeze, hospital strike etc.) A lot of hospitals prefer nurses to have at least a year of acute care experience for hire. Don't risk losing that full year and regret it. If your manager hires new grads and have them leave after a few months, then there must be something wrong with the manager or the management. Suck it up for a year and you will be in the safe zone

iPink, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2015

I disagree with most of the posters in here because you already have 6 years of nursing experience under your belt. If you were a new grad I would suggest you stay put 1-2 years. You came from a SNF so you should already have strong time management skills as Med surge is known to teach you that. With that said, a nurse with 6 years experience should not be receiving the same amount of orientation as a new nurse. You most likely accepted that position to get your foot in the door and that was a smart move.

Follow your hospital's protocol regarding transfers. In the meantime, make sure you are in good standing with your current manager. He/she will be the one who speaks to the M/B manager when that time comes. Your character and work ethic will be main topics.

I started in critical care and made the transfer to M/B so I know how this works. I would never go back. I love actually having time to provide teaching and having great conversations with my patients and their families. A world of a difference.

Sent via iPink's phone using allnurses

Postpartum RN · Apr 22, 2015

Thanks for all the advice, and ipink thank you! You have given me hope!

Postpartum RN · Apr 22, 2015

Ipink, what part of the country are you in? Are you in post partum or l&d?

I should add that I am per diem at my current med surg job, and the transfer policy here is that you have to work 6 months in your hiring unit until you can apply for another unit. I have asked for my union contract several weeks ago but still have not received it; I will also look into floating at my hospital and how that works and if I will be able to do that.

I love ob/post partum and can't wait till I get there!

SimplisticRnx · Oct 12, 2015

Hi OP. Just wanna follow up with you on any luck with finding your dream job?

Postpartum RN · Oct 12, 2015

Hi OP. Just wanna follow up with you on any luck with finding your dream job?

Hi, yes I did finally get a PP job! I just started orientation sept 30th. It's going great and so far I love it!

SimplisticRnx · Oct 12, 2015

I'm happy that you got into your dream job!! Did you transferred within your hospital? What kind of questions did the manager asked that helped you land your job? I have an interview in a few days and just need some pointers. Thanks!