Why is so hard to get into Labor and delivery department?

[Marian96, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

I feel so sad and discourage,I went to nursing school with this vision of becoming a "Labour and delivery Nurse".Now 8 years later I still stock at the Er Department,really,now what?? I mean,I feel terrible,I would like to achieve my goal but it looks like impossible.I also requested a transfer at my hospital and they gave me the excuse "we can't transfer you to that department because we don't have enough staff to train you,we are looking for a experienced L and D nurse" Really,unbelievable...please advice !!!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

L&D is traditionally a coveted specialty. If a unit needs an experienced nurse who will need minimal orientation, that's who they are going to look for. If you truly want an L&D job, you need to expand the search- outside your current facility, look at possibly relocating, look into getting experience in a related unit.

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

It's really not that unbelievable. Hospitals hire based on their needs, and if they need an experienced L&D nurse, they will often wait it out until they find one instead of trying to leverage time and resources they don't have to train a new one. I agree with Rose Queen--start looking in other places for a job in L&D.

[OBNurseIzzyyyy]

CA.

Hey guys...I too thought it was pretty much impossible as well but I just got hired as a new grad in L&D. I must add I was a medical assistant in an OBGYN office for a few years and then an OB surgical tech prior to nursing school. I do believe my related experience is what got me this opportunity ��.

There is always hope. In the interview I noticed they like if you get involved with AWHONN and attend any obstetric seminars which can increase your chances if L&D is your goal.

[OBNurseIzzyyyy]

CA.

Hey guys...I too thought it was pretty much impossible as well but I just got hired as a new grad in L&D. I must add I was a medical assistant in an OBGYN office for a few years and then an OB surgical tech prior to nursing school. I do believe my related experience is what got me this opportunity ��.

There is always hope. In the interview I noticed they like if you get involved with AWHONN and attend any obstetric seminars and get NRP and basic fetal monitoring to start .... This can increase your chances if L&D is your goal.

[bagladyrn, RN]

Consider trying for a position in Mother/Baby (Post Partum) either at your current facility or elsewhere.

After establishing yourself there for about a year request to be cross trained to L&D.