What can I do to ensure that one day I will become a labor and delivery nurse?

Sour Lemon · Dec 11, 2018

I am about to start nursing school this January, and I am pretty positive I want to become a labor and delivery nurse. I know that this is a very hard nursing specialty to get into, but I was hoping some of you would have tips on how to get in. Are there any organizations or associations you recommend I join? Or are there extra certifications I can get to boost my chances of being hired as a labor and delivery nurse? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

The absolute best thing you can do to increase your chances is be willing to move. It's not hard to get into everywhere.

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 11, 2018

In addition to the above, also keep an open mind in nursing school. I went in thinking I wanted to work in peds or L&D. Guess which two were my least favorite experiences... I have worked in the OR since graduation, and wouldn't trade it for the world. If I hadn't had an open mind, I would have never considered it because it wasn't what I went into school expecting to want to do.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Dec 11, 2018

I went into nursing school with the sole intent and purpose of becoming an L & D nurse. Instead, I fell in love with folks at the other end of life and spent most of my career in geriatrics. You just never know what you'll find out about yourself in nursing school. Good luck in your future career, whatever you decide, and welcome to Allnurses!

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2018

If it's what you still really want to do after you complete all of your required clinical rotations, try to get your senior practicum in L&D. It was probably the second least desired specialty for practicums when I was in school- only psych had less interest. Most people wanted ER, ICU or some sort of adult specialty, then a few handfuls of us in peds and even fewer requesting maternity. The only person I know who did her practicum in L&D went on to work there.

I've never worked L&D and I don't *think* they utilize aides but other areas of maternity (like post-partum or newborn nursery) do. You could try to get an aide position on such a unit while you're in school and that would increase your odds of being hired as a nurse after graduation.

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2018

If this is what you really want, do your best to get into the practicum in the public hospital (or whichever hospital in your area sees the most births). I always wanted L&D but when I went to nursing school it was during the 2009 recession and L&D nurses were being sent home daily because people who plan to have children weren't. My buddies at our public hospital saw plenty of births, and those nurses were never sent home. It really is about location. Good luck!