Question:
Dear Donna,
I?m a new nurse who aspires to join a labor and delivery team as an extern. How do I go about applying for an externship in labor and delivery? I just graduated from an RN program.
Monique
Dear Donna replies:
Dear Monique,
Congratulations on getting through nursing school. That?s quite an accomplishment. Because L&D is your interest, you should immediately join the Association of Women?s Health, Obstetrics, and Neonatal Nurses (www.awhonn.org). Make contact with your state chapter to find out about externships in your area.
Get out to local chapter meetings of AWHONN, even as a guest at first. When there is something you want to do, it makes sense to start rubbing elbows with those already doing that thing. Besides, networking is a great way to find and get a job.
Do some informational interviewing (www.dcardillo.com/articles/thescoop.html) with the officers of your local and state chapter. This is a good way to make valuable contacts, learn a lot, and find out about intern/externships and job opportunities.
I also recommend that you read ?Your First Year as a Nurse - Making the Transition From Total Novice to Successful Professional? (www.Nurse.com/ce/7010) and ?The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses? (www.Nurse.com/ce/7250) to learn how to successfully market yourself and get acclimated to your profession and your first job as a nurse.
Best wishes,
Donna
