Transitioning from Med-Surg to L&D

[Nurse Shannon]

Hello all-

As a new graduate nurse, I knew I wanted to go into L&D but felt it would be prudent to develop a solid foundation on a med-surg floor. I worked in a rural hospital for 2 years, and managed to work my way up into a regular charge nurse role, typically with a full patient load. My husband and I are relocating back to CA, and I feel that this would be a good time to jump in to what I really love and am passionate about. All the job requisitions are looking for L & D experience, but are willing to train the right person.

I graduated top of my class from a BSN program

Completed my senior preceptorship in L&D at SF General

Excelled in my roll as a med surg nurse (I managed to stay afloat on day shift the whole 2 years)

Earned the respect and recommendation of all of my senior staff including the CEO of the hosptial

Would now be a good time to transition to this new role? How do I sell myself to them, without having that coveted year of L & D experience? ANy advice on what to expect would be greatly appreciated

I feel like I am at a giant crossroads, and sometimes I can feel a bit lost

[Bubwa]

Yes! Go for it.

Wow! Congrats for staying afloat while working Med/Surg days! That is not easy. I think that you have an awesome foundation to start L&D, especially if your peers and supervisors can recommend you. You know from your previous experiences what "sick" pts. look like, which interventions to use, which care plans make sense, and medications used in the Med/Surg setting. These are all important for L&D. For example you know about pain management (think s/p c-section, and labor). You know about hypertension and which meds to use (think labatalol and pre-eclampsia). You can learn L&D, especially with that foundation. Make sure you really sell yourself including your accomplishments, peer reviews, pt. advocate, and especially your DESIRE and LOVE of L&D. Show up to HR or even the L&D departments in your best suit ask for the director/manager and hand deliver a resume. If your supervisors think highly of you see if they have any connections and see if they will make a phone call on your behalf. I just made a similar move, but after only 1 yr. as a M/S nurse on days. I'm currently orienting to the OB department.

How do I feel about OB? I frickin' LOVE IT!!! Go for it. Besides, if not NOW then when? Best of luck,:w00t::w00t:

[Nurse Shannon]

Thanks so much for the feedback! Just applied for the job, so we will see how it goes! Fingers crossed!

[dreamworx07]

Promote your critical thinking skills, your time management and especially your nerves of steel! Let them know that you can remain calm in any situation and you have a large tolerance for non-compliance and cultural differences. We see it all in L&D. Unfortunately our patients are not as "rosy" as we would like them to me. Also need to be a good communicator and be able to educate!!!!