What to do over the summer?

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

Hey all!

I am currently in a BSN program and I have this summer off. My heart is in women's health and always has been. Is there anything you'd recommend I do to help give me an extra boost to get into women's health upon graduation? I was looking into getting my lactation certification, but it's a lot harder than I first thought. Are there any extra certifications or anything I can work on over the summer? I'm at a loss of what else I can do.

Thank you!!

-Sunny

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

Instead of IBCLC (and yes, it's a lot of work - it took me 10 years to get my certification and I actually decided to go to nursing school because it was the fastest way to get my IBCLC), you could look into CLC, which is generally a week-long course. Or CAPPA.

Or you could ask if your local hospital offers a volunteer program and do some volunteer work in OB.

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Some hospitals offer a nurse-extern program for student nurses before their last year of nursing school. I did that myself. For twelve weeks in the summer you shadow a nurse in the specialty of your choice. It was a full-time summer job, and we got paid. That was a great experience. It gave you an idea if you really wanted to do that kind of nursing, you got your foot in the door, got familiar with staff and management. A lot of people got hired to the same units after they graduated. I would definitely check that out. Good luck.

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Thank you so much for your reply! I will definitely check out CLC! My school pairs with a local hospital for a summer externship. I plan to do it; but it is incredibly competitive within the program. I'll check out other hospitals as well. Sadly, none let us volunteer.

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You can apply to be a CNA on the postpartum floor / antepartum. That's how some of the nurses at the hospital I had my postpartum clinicals at got their jobs.

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Specializes in Med/Surg and Travel Nursing.

How about finding a doula training workshop? Typically it takes place over a weekend, along with the reading requirements, etc....could be a great certification to add to your resume. =D

Good luck! =D

~MLDJ1970

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Another great option is to go and get trained as a Doula. Frequently programs are short in length and a lot of hospitals have volunteer programs you can work in. It would be great exposure to women's health/OB and also a great chance to help women through an amazing experience.

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Child birth education!

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I am in the same situation as you. My heart is with women's health and I hope to land a job in OB once I graduate. This summer I plan to volunteer. I have filled out a couple volunteer applications. Now I'm just waiting to hear back from them. Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

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