Why (I'm told) I can't get job in OB

[pbajil]

I have been working with adults out of school because there were no L&D/PP jobs back then. Now I have been looking to get a job with women, babies for a long time and no one will hire me. I was told by a nurse recruiter the other day that since one local hospital is closing their OB services, that jobs are limited in the surrounding ones, and are going to experienced nurses in those areas. That reason I understand. Except for when they have listings for open positions that last months. I was also told by another one that there is a low turnover rate in OB, and that alot of the empty slots they do have go to new grads.

So here I am, with adult experience, and can't get a job in OB. But new grads are able to break in because they are new grads? I don't get it.

[zahryia, LPN]

The funny thing is, I HAVE taken both a breastfeeding and childbirth class, I have kids and have breastfed them both. Know all breastfeeding issues inside and out. In fact, my love of babies and breastfeeding is partly why I want to switch from adults to OB! So you think I should include that on my resume? Like, that breastfeeding knowledge would help me to get a job in OB? Wouldn't that count for a lot of women/moms though, nothing special about me?

Anyway - still getting no calls for interviews. Thanks everyone for insight. I have been told that some hospitals hire "internal transfers" into OB so I tried that, no, not without experience. No one is budging!

Definitely mention both classes!!! I don't know the percentages off the top of my head, but there are MANY women who DON"T breastfeed. Even though for the ones who do, that doesn't mean they can teach it to other women.

Put both classes in your resume and cover letter. Those keywords will jump out to the recruiters.

[kmn360]

Ok I'm going to be the "flip" side.

If you're not getting the interviews you are seeking, is there an underlying cause?

What is your current manager saying about you, what does your HR file look like? Do you call out? Do have a good time management and problem solving skills?

you could be a really good employee and just being over looked. Have you had anyone review your resume? Can you talk to the manager over that area? If you haven't I would. Don't be pushy, just let them know this is an area you would really like to transfer into. Ask them if there is anything that may help secure a position in their department. Don't forget to follow up! Notecards work really well.

Good luck!

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

So here I am, with adult experience, and can't get a job in OB. But new grads are able to break in because they are new grads? I don't get it.

Thats strange. Its hard for a new grad to get a job in OB in my area, most want you to have a least one year in Med/surg first

[eden]

I had to apply for a year and a half before I got my position in L&D because I had no maternity experience, onlu medical. What could help you is to apply for all positions in any womens field. I applied to all NICU, L&D, LDRP, gyne, PP positions just to get my foot in the door. I sewar they got so sick of seeing my name that they finally gave me a position. Good luck applying, I hope you get in.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

It took me a while to get into OB/mother-baby as well. I was a nurse for 4 years before I got in. It depends on so many things - the individual facility's policy, an individual manager's needs/capabilities at the time, your geographical location, or sometimes none of the above. Keep knocking. Eventually a door will open. :)