How can I get into L&D nursing as a new grad?

Hi. First, I will advise that you know which city and state you would like to work in. Be sure the medical center has a L&D department. Recently many medical centers have advertised new grad positions on websites like "Indeed". They will hire you for specialty units but will mandate that you work on their Med/Surg unit for 3 months to one year, then they will orient you to L&D. The rationale for mandating a new grad to work Med/Surg first is because every patient, no matter what specialty unit they are admitted to, could have additional issues which are Med/Surg related - such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiac issues, etc. Good luck and hang in there.

Look into hospitals that are teaching facilities. You will see stuff there that you won't see in the private sector. My favorite hospitals are the ones that are teaching facilities.

Most HCA hospitals have StarRN programs for new grads.

Check for hospitals that have L&D internships. If that’s not available, consider taking a job in mother/baby initially then transferring to L&D.

I would scout it out during preceptorship and would apply anyway, even if no openings. Also, medsurg is always a good starting place and also where you can have feelers out for openings