Any advice on finding a mother baby job as a (almost) new grad RN? I am really not interested in working med surg and want to get right into maternity, but having trouble finding a job in my area :(
After I graduated I was working on a Psych floor with overflow Med/Surg patients. I really, really wanted to be working in OB! My husband told me go talk to the OB Nurse Manager every week and tell her! So, I did! Finally, one day she said go talk to the Charge Nurse on 3-11, (I had just gotten off) and if she wants to hire you, then I will ! So, I did and of course she did because she was working by herself on Postpartum/Mother/Baby and there were I think 20 private rooms!! I worked there for about 7months then the Nurse Mgr. asked me if I wanted to go to Labor & Delivery and I did! The nurses (some of them) weren't as easy to work with and I had to have it out with one of them before we could get along. I stayed for 4 years and left to go to a health
dept. job in the smaller town where I lived and not have to drive and hour each way! But, it was so worth it going to see that nurse mgr each week! I also had scored really high in that area on my aptitude tests!
Good Luck! Hope this will help you!
Don’t let anyone tell you that you must have med-surg experience before you do mother baby. I started my career there and felt like it was absolutely perfect for me. I was much more into educating and a low risk environment at first, and med surg was not of any interest to me at all. I was in mother baby the entire first decade of my nursing career, and spent most of that decade travel nursing, so I learned a ton! Anyway, I know people can be discouraging about it- but everyone is different and if it’s what you want, fight for it! Keep trying, and like another poster said- the very best thing you can do is go talk to someone in person. The algorithms on the application apps block people out all the time that should have a chance. Most managers will see your passionate enough if you show up to ask about how to work there and will give you a chance if they can!
It is wonderful that you want a career maternity nurse. To give quality care for your mothers you need to expand your know base and experience in adult medicine. It is a wonderful and happy environment most of the time. When complications arise it can be significant and quick. That is why you have a responsibility to be as experienced as you can. Two year of med/surg possibly telemetry give you a great foundation for all specialties. The emergency department may also be a good Segway into that career.
These are just some thoughts form a nurse of 44 years who has worked in various specialties.
By reaching out you show passion about your aspirations. Good luck with your career and I’m sure you will be a wonderful labor and delivery RN.
