Trying to get into L&D, need help

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Specializes in Nephrology, Peds, NICU, PICU, adult ICU.

Hi, I'm a relatively new nurse I have been working in a sub-acute hemodialysis for a little over a year in half and I really want to try and transition into L&D. I haven't been able to find a job listing that doesn't require any where between 2+ to 5+ years L&D experience. well I don't have that but I'm trying to beef up my resume and any suggestions would be great. I have my BCLS & ACLS I recently was able to find a class for NPR that I plan to take. Some have listed as required EFM and others have FHM what would the best class to take to satisfy that requirement. Are there any other suggestions for classes to take help me get my foot in the door?:banghead:

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, IM, OB/GYN, neuro, GI.

Have you applied to any of the positions. Sometimes the job description they post online is a template. I received two jobs without meeting the requirements becuase of what I already knew and had.

Another thing you could try is applying for postpartum. I have friends who got in through that route. Worked for six months on that floor then transfered to L&D.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

You might want to go ahead and apply for the job, even if the listing says 2-5yrs experience required. I too have found that there's some leeway in those requirements, and the requirements may change within a certain facility depending on the current mix of staff (i.e., if they've recently hired a bunch of new grads, they will want to hire more experienced folks).

It certainly won't hurt for you to apply. The worst they can do is say no, and what have you lost? :)

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Specializes in Nephrology, Peds, NICU, PICU, adult ICU.

Thanks for the advice. Is there anything you can think of that will help as a candidate with out experience.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
You might want to go ahead and apply for the job, even if the listing says 2-5yrs experience required. I too have found that there's some leeway in those requirements, and the requirements may change within a certain facility depending on the current mix of staff (i.e., if they've recently hired a bunch of new grads, they will want to hire more experienced folks).

It certainly won't hurt for you to apply. The worst they can do is say no, and what have you lost? :)

I agree with this helpful post. Of course they want experience, but many hire new graduates and nurses without OB experience despite this. I was hired right out of school into L and D. Don't get too easily discouraged. Apply anyhow!!!! And keep trying.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Peds, NICU, PICU, adult ICU.

Thank you so much for the encouragement, I will apply. I'm trying to find out ways to put me ahead of the other people without experience are there any classes or certifications I could get now to be a better prepared candidate?

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Specializes in NICU/L&D, Hospice.

If I'm reading it correctly...

EFM and FHM mean the same thing (at least where I'm from). Electronic Fetal Monitoring/Fetal Heart Monitoring. I was hired with my NICU experience into L&D and was taught EFM in orientation.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Peds, NICU, PICU, adult ICU.

Woogy thank you so much. I thought they were the same thing but I wasn't sure if one was more intense or better than the other.

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