tough getting into mother/baby unit

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Hello, all. Just wanted to ask whether it was common for an experienced nurse (6years-> Med/Surg, Family Practice, Pediatrics, Ambulatory Surgery) without mother/baby experience to actually be accepted for a mother/baby position? I applied for a RN position in mother/baby (couplet care) w/ the job description stating "new grads" or "experienced nurses" looking to get into Maternal Child then the nurse manager replied via e-mail, "We need experienced nurses in my fast paced unit".....

Ok, that's not what the job description states.....I could possibly LOVE mother/baby and be great at it, but the managers in my area won't even give me a chance....Oh, I've gotten plenty of job offers, but just not in Maternal Child (even for NICU). Am I missing something here?

Thanks for your reply all......

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Specializes in L&D.

I can only tell you what I might do in your situation. I might reply to the e-mail saying, "If it is experience you need, then I would be a great addition to your team," but since e-mail isn't my favorite form of communication in these situations, I might ask her when she might have time to discuss your qualifications with you. Sell yourself. It sounds like you'd be an asset to her mother/baby unit. Know that!!! Ask if you can come up to the floor to see the unit. Assert yourself, while being careful not to overdo it.

Or move to New Mexico. :wink2: We can always use more nurses on my mother/baby unit!!!

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Maralenn, thank you for your reply.....actually I have only been speaking to the women's health recruiter and that's the quote she gave me from the nurse manager. I've attempted twice via the recruiter of course to get an interview and got shot down. Ultimately, it's a higher power thing and I just trust that it just wasn't meant to be.....however, don't know if I want to accept the NICU interview due to potential risks involved in the future should I happily get pregnant (exposure to high stress, respiratory illnesses, frequent x-rays and etc....). Choices, choices........

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I was hired onto a mother/baby unit after having just peds experience. I would try emailing back or trying to speak to someone who can help. Good luck.

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Specializes in L&D.
Maralenn, thank you for your reply.....actually I have only been speaking to the women's health recruiter and that's the quote she gave me from the nurse manager. I've attempted twice via the recruiter of course to get an interview and got shot down. Ultimately, it's a higher power thing and I just trust that it just wasn't meant to be.....however, don't know if I want to accept the NICU interview due to potential risks involved in the future should I happily get pregnant (exposure to high stress, respiratory illnesses, frequent x-rays and etc....). Choices, choices........

Oh, I see. Good luck to you, though. Whatever unit you end up working on will be a lucky one!!! ;)

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

WOW I am not impressed by the email sent to you.

Consider this: You ARE an experienced nurse, and just about EVERY sizeable OB unit I have been to and worked IS "fast paced" ....that is the nature of our business. Define "fast paced", is it just busy, or frantically UNDERSTAFFED? I would love to know that myself....anyhow I do digress...

Caveat emptor. You may NOT want to work for this person, really. Good luck whatever does happen.

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Thank you all for your reply.....I haven't given up mother/baby yet....in the process of applying to other places but appreciate all of your support......

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Specializes in Babies, peds, pain management.

If you've only had contact with the recruiter, send a letter and your resume to the nurse manager of the unit. I did this because the recruiter/HR dept just did not pass the info on to the nm. Who knows why? But when I contacted her, I was interviewed and hired within 2 weeks.

Also, if you're in Central Arkansas, contact me. We are growing and would welcome an "experienced" eager to learn and work nurse like you>

Good luck!

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Unfortunately, not in Arkansas, but otherwise I'd definitely consider your offer! It would be very strange that the nurse recruiter would've lied to me, right? No worries though b/c I do have a interview for mother/baby at a large prestigious teaching hospital......what do you suppose are the pros/cons of working at a non teaching versus teaching?

Thanks for all of your time and reply!

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