Trying to get into OB

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Hey Ladies and Gents,

I am currently a 1st year nursing student at St. Kate's in Minneapolis MN. It's a great school for associates (of course it's not perfect but no school is) and I'm trying hard to be proactive about getting a job when I graduate. I just got a job as a casual CNA (no holidays and I can pick up as many shifts as I want) and I'm thinking about becoming a doula for the L&D experience to get a job.

Is this a good idea? Will it help? I can't imagine it would hurt

Thank you!

Katelyn

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Specializes in PCU, Critical Care, Respiratory,.

Hello, I think it is a great idea. Remember that midwifery nursing is a more natural approach than you will see in many modern hospitals.:p

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Yes! That's a great idea! Go on and check on it!

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

Becoming a doula might be a good idea, but I'm not sure it's feasible with nursing school. When you are a doula and you have a client, you are on call 24/7 before they do into labor. Once they go into labor you will be expected to be there throughout the entire labor experience. This can be at 2am on a Sunday, or noon time on a Wednesday, or any time in between. Some labors last more than 24 hours. How are you going to be able to stay with a client all day when you have nursing clinicals? Or an a test? You'll either end up getting in trouble withyour school or you'll let down your clients. Nursing school is a big time commitment and the on-call schedule of a doubla doesn't fit well.

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

Being a doula in nursing school is possible. It is difficult as the above poster stated. I was able to do it when I was in nursing school but could only take clients that were being induced so I knew it would work with my schedule as well. You can also call hospitals and tell them to call you when a patient comes in that could really use a doula (these are done for free) and you can always say yes or no; depending on your schedule. Look into joining Awhonn, most have a local chapter which would allow you to make connections with current OB nurses and potential manages. Before graduation get your NRP and S.T.A.B.L.E., find out if there are any preceptorships in your area that can get you extra experience beyond your regular clinical hours; if one does not exist, try creating one yourself between your instructors and the

Manager of one of the OB departments in your area (my friend set up her own preceptorship program in the NICU her senior year). Just some ideas

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