Want to switch from M/S to L&D

Posts: 6 · Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Cambria, IL

I have always wanted to do L&D, but have only M/S experience. Would I have to go back to working as a staff nurse to get experience before traveling in L&D? I hope not, cuz that would be a HUGE cut in pay.
Are there any companies/hospitals willing to train a traveler in a new specialty, especially with the shortage and needs in L&D right now?
Thanks,
Trish

Posts: 1 · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1

It is highly unlikely a hospital would consider training a nurse to a specialty area unless you worked for that hospital and were committed to working for them for a long time. It would not be profitable for the hospital to train a traveler; your best bet is to take as many courses as possible such as fetal monitoring and newborn resusciation, high risk pregnancy, post partum care, etc, and then maybe you would be hired on to train in L&D. It is such a specialty that it takes at least a year to feel comfortable and competency takes several hundred hours of work experience. I have worked in the area for many years, and recently did a travel job that was a challenge because the birthing center did a lot of water births. This was a new concept to me, even with all my experience. It was a good learning experience, but I was glad to be done after the 13 weeks!!

Posts: 2 · Joined: 06 Apr 2006 Posts: 2

I had worked in L&D for only 6 months, back in 1999. I put my application on monster.com and requested a job in L&D in 2005. I was hired by Havasu Regional Medical Center in Lake Havasu City, AZ and was started from scratch. It helps if you've had any postpartum experience, but Med Surg is ok. I'm now leaving the hospital due to family needs, but they brought me there with a sign on bonus and travel assistance. I signed a 2 year contract. Right now they are pretty desparate for help, as several nurses are leaving for other reasons. It might be worth your while. Say hello to all my friends there for me, ok..?