Transition from Tele to L&D?

[frecklesRN]

Hello all! :)

After graduating nursing school and getting my license I took a job on a tele unit. I've been there 18 months and love it, however I am feeling the need for a change. My OB/GYN clinical rotation in nursing school made me fall in love with L&D. It's been on my mind a ton lately.

My question for you all is, what is the best way to transition? I am contracted to my current job for another year, but in the meantime I would love to take a class/get a certification/volunteer as a doula/anything that might be helpful before I take the leap. Any suggestions? Especially specific ones?

I'd also love to hear from anyone else who transitioned from another area of nursing into L&D.

[dianah, ASN]

Have you introduced yourself to the NM for L&D at your facility, and spoken with her?

Good to get yourself recognized and for her to know you are interested.

Perhaps she can suggest things she is looking for in persons she hires (classes, certifications, certain skills), so you can work on those in the next year?

[APL&D]

I also changed from tele to L&D! I love it! It is very different. You will find it challenging in the beginning. I would suggest to start reading about pregnancy, labor and delivery, etc. I would approach the manager, as dianah suggested, and ask her if you can come in and shadow an experienced RN through the process of childbirth for a couple of shifts. We had RNs coming from other units who were interested in transferring to just watch various types of deliveries. I would also join AWHONN and take NRP and EFM course, if you can afford it. Good lick.

[frecklesRN]

Thanks so much! I will absolutely do that :) can't believe I didn't think of that myself!

EDIT: also, shadowing would be Great! I didnt even know that might be an option, I'll definitely ask! Thanks so so much for your help. I'll look into those courses too :)