want to transfer to L&D from orthopedics

[questioningRN2007]

Hi,

I recently starting working on an orthopedics unit in a local hospital after being away from nursing for 18 months. I really don't think this is the unit for me and really feel drawn to women's health, especially L&D. My previous nursing experience includes mostly med/surg, although I spent a couple of months working on an obstetrics unit. I am nervous about talking to my manager about my desire to apply for a transfer.

Thanks! Any advice would be appreciated.

[FLAlleycat]

I've never done anything but women's health and absolutely love it! Nurses transferring to labor and delivery usually work a year in postpartum first at our small community hospital. There are, however, hospitals, esp large or teaching hospitals, that will train nurses in L&D without that year. Although I've never worked in any other area, it must be less stressful physically because our unit sure receives a lot of transfer requests from other units!

Personally, I'd go for the change. I imagine if you didn't like it, the ortho floor would welcome you back!

Allie

[obtech2nurse]

L&D is very rewarding and challenging. It is so much fun to watch a family introduce a new member, there is rarely a day that I don't get teary eyed during a delivery. I love my job, but even a year into working as a nurse and 6 years of being an ob tech/scrub I still feel lost alot. I only have L&D experiance but I would highly recommend it to any one "drawn to it". If you don't like it - you will know really quick. You either love it or hate it.