Volunteering on L&D/Mom Baby Floor

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I'm currently back in school to become an RN. My passion has always been to work in L&D. I know that many hospitals require that you have OB/L&D experience before getting hired as a OB/L&D RN. A hospital near my home has volunteer opportunities available in these areas (infact nurturer, post-partum, mom/baby, and NICU). I'm thinking of volunteering in these areas to show my interest here. I would love to get hired as an L&D RN right out of school, any opinions on whether or not this volunteer work would help?

Thanks!

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Specializes in NICU, Mother-baby, home health care.
I'm currently back in school to become an RN. My passion has always been to work in L&D. I know that many hospitals require that you have OB/L&D experience before getting hired as a OB/L&D RN. A hospital near my home has volunteer opportunities available in these areas (infact nurturer, post-partum, mom/baby, and NICU). I'm thinking of volunteering in these areas to show my interest here. I would love to get hired as an L&D RN right out of school, any opinions on whether or not this volunteer work would help?

Thanks!

I actually was hired right out of nursing school into L&D. And this was with a regional hospital in SC. Though I only worked in L&D for 6 months before going into the NICU at another hospital, I know many hospitals will hire new grads into these areas. So many hospitals have like a 3 month to 6 month "internship" where you are basically working with your preceptor while also doing learning modules. I really don't think you'll have a problem getting hired on after nursing school. I think it really depends on the area in which you live, maybe.

It certainly wouldn't hurt if you volunteered in those areas because you'll become a familiar face, they'll see how you are interested and your desire, therefore possibly getting your foot in the door. :) Good luck!!

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

It surely won't hurt your chances any. Like the previous poster said, you'll get to know faces and be exposed to the routines. Being a nurse is a whole different ballgame, but at least you won't have to learn that stuff AND learn how to be a nurse. Go for it!

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Many smaller hospitals do not have volunteer positions in labor/delivery or the nursery, specifically-----some really large ones do. I agree with the others in that making connections is a good way to go. Many people are hired into L/D right out of school. What you WANT to do, is get the best grades you can, doing well in all areas of nursing school and get to know people who currently work in L/D or nursery who may be able to help give you a "heads up" for any upcoming opportunities. But volunteering is a wonderful opportunity you will never regret. You can do this in a hospital, as a general volunteer, and make friends and gain a LOT!

Good luck!

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Specializes in peds and med/surg.

I too had the opportunity to volunteer in L&D. We were supposed to do 16 hours volunteer work for our nursing program, but I enjoyed it so much I did over 60..til my schedule changed. Part of my "job" was giving the newborns their first bath...it was fun. I even got to be in the room for 2 deliveries b/c the nurse told the pt I was a student that wanted to go into L&D. I was hoping for the foot in the door opportunity, but for me it didn't work, a bilingual girl from my class was hired after graduation. It may for you, it couldn't hurt and you will probably enjoy it immensly.

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