Trying to break into L&D/mother baby

[despotak19]

Hi everyone! 
I graduated with my bachelors in 2019 and have wanted to do L&D or mom/baby ever since nursing school. Unfortunately I couldn’t get into it as a new grad, so I followed the advice of many and went into medsurg to gain some basic experience. I’ve been in medsurg for two years now and am looking to break out of it and get in to the L&D world. However, despite seeing so many applications for L&D and applying to all of them with an updated resume, I’ve been rejected from every single one of them simply because I don’t have experience in the specialty. How the heck am I supposed to get L&D/mom baby experience if no one will hire me?? Starting feel that new grad stress all over again. Please help!! I need advice on how to break into this specialty as I’m super burned out in medsurg and want to follow my passion!

[klone, MSN, RN]

If you live in a large community with several hospitals, then those hospitals often have the choice amongst many experienced candidates. My recommendation is to apply to a smaller community hospital that is an hour+ away from any other hospitals. They will have fewer candidates to choose from, and simply having an experienced nurse (as opposed to new grads) for an applicant is a gift.

You may have to accept a long (hour+) commute, or be willing to relocate to a smaller community.

Also, polish up your cover letter, and explain that you have always wanted to work in L&D, but first wanted to get the fundamentals and time management down, so you chose to work in med/surg for a couple years first, but now you feel ready to make the change and go into the specialty you've always wanted.

[SmilingBluEyes]

I went right into OB in a small rural hospital. Like said above try the smaller community hospitals. Good luck.

[ohwatermelon]

Hi there! I will be starting my residency soon and I was advised by the recruiter to start in med surg because certain specialties are highly competitive. I am not sure whether I should start in med surg or pursuit a field that I am interested in.... I am scared that I will be in the same boat as you later on. I wish you the best!