Trying to Transition: Clinic OB/Gyn to L&D

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

Specializes in Urgent Care, Family Medicine & OB/GYN.

So I recently bought a new home near Houston which has always been mine & my husband's ultimate goal. In our current city I had to take a clinic position due to us having children and no family there. I needed something flexible because my husband's job requires him to travel and the clinic setting was family friendly. I accepted the clinic position as a new grad so I only have clinic experience. Now that we are moving to Houston I have a better support system as far as nearby family and I can't seem to make the transition from my clinic OB/Gyn position to the hospital to begin my dream job as a L&D nurse. I wouldn't even mind working post partum. Does anyone have any suggestions? Most of the major hospitals have turned me away stating that I will need to apply with the new grads for an internship. While I understand that logic I feel as though I can learn from being taught on the floor. I have the basic knowledge I just need to learn the skills. I've heard of many people doing this including a classmate that transitioned from psych to L&D. I now regret turning down the L&D position I interviewed for as a new grad. I had a plan for my children at that time but the plan fell through so I took the clinic position and turned them down. Any suggestions will help! Thanks in advance.

Specializes in OB/GYN.

I went on many interviews before I got hired to L&D from a clinic. I had to market myself in a way that was appealing to the nurse manager. I emphasized my phlebotomy skills, my experience with in-office procedures and recovery, my familiarity with the patient population, etc. knowing what I know now, I would recommend you get certified in NRP and ACLS and EFM if you can. Maybe use the MDs you work with now as a connection? They could put in a good word for you at the place they deliver.

What is EFM?

External fetal monitoring

External fetal monitoring

It took me FOREVER a few years to find this online EFM course through AWHONN, so here is a link so that you can find it easier.

Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN)

Specializes in Urgent Care, Family Medicine & OB/GYN.

Thanks dariah & BuckRN. It wouldn't be a problem getting a job if I would be working at the hospital that my MD's deliver at but I'm moving 100 miles away. :-/ None of them have connections out there but I definitely use them as a reference. Thanks for the suggestions. I figured I would get those certifications done while I'm not working.

Thank you for the replies and link :)

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