Tips on getting into OB?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

Hey everyone. I was hoping to get some advice from you guys. It has always been my dream to work in OB but it almost seems impossible to get there. I've applied for several OB positions in my area over the past several months but can't get an interview for anything. I currently have a year of experience in Ortho/Neuro/Medical. I also have my NRP and joined AWHONN. I was wondering if there's anything else I could do to maybe help my resume/application stand out. I currently have an application in for a night shift OB position at a local hospital. The nurse recruiter told me that the position didn't require any experience and they were willing to train, but it's been 2 weeks and I still haven't heard anything. I am also thinking about applying for a postpartum position at a hospital about an hour away from me. Any advice/tips? Thanks.

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

I'm working in Subacute to get into the hospital system so in a year I can apply internally for OB jobs.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, Peds, LDRP.

My suggestion is to be a little bit of a pest...sometimes you have to make yourself known. Show up and introduce yourself to the nurse manager and "sell" yourself by letting her know you applied for the position and how much you really want to work there. At the very least email her even if you dont physically show up. I went thru the same thing and was very passive about it, applying to every position I saw for about a year. It wasnt until I started contacting the nurse manager that I finally got an interview and was able to get my foot in that way. IMO often when positions are posted, the manager has someone in mind but it is posted as a formality. If you make yourself known and try to get a rapport with the manager, next time a position is open you can email her again. For example the position I first applied to was filled but I was told that another position should be coming up in a few months and she would keep me in mind. When the next position posted I applied and then emailed her letting her know I was still very interested and requesting an interview, which was granted and I was hired. I think if I had not started going above and beyond simply applying and waiting, Id still be waiting now! Take the initiative and show enthusiasm ;0) Good luck!

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Specializes in Acute Rehab, OB, MedSurg.

So, how do you go about meeting and e-mailing nurse managers when hospitals will not give out this information?

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
So, how do you go about meeting and e-mailing nurse managers when hospitals will not give out this information?

Go directly to the unit and ask to speak with the NM.

You mentioned joining AWHONN; I would recommend taking their fetal monitoring course.

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