How to Become an Obstetric Nurse
Obstetric nursing is primarily concerned with the reproductive health of women from menstruation to menopause. Nurses who specialize in this field must have additional education and experience beyond general nursing. They provide medical care during pregnancy, assist with labor and delivery during childbirth and provide education and medical assistance during the postpartum period.
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Instructions
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Learn as much as possible about obstetric nursing. Talk to gynecologists and obstetricians about requirements for this specialty. Volunteer at local hospitals or women's health clinics to better understand nursing duties and to confirm your interest in nursing studies. If possible, request an assignment in labor and delivery.
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Research accredited college and university nursing programs that award a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree. Find out if the school offers obstetric nursing as a specialty or includes a series of related electives in its nursing programs.
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Narrow your choices to three to five schools that match your interest, and apply to those schools.
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Obtain your Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN) degree, taking elective courses in obstetrics, gynecology and neonatal nursing in addition to the required general nursing studies.
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Obtain a minimum of one year of clinical nursing experience in obstetrics and gynecology through undergraduate training or postgraduate work in a hospital or clinic.
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Pass your state’s board of nursing (NCLEX) examination to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). Obtain additional certification in obstetric nursing through the National Certification Corporation (NCC).
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Apply for obstetric nursing positions at local hospitals, clinics or the military.
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Tips & Warnings
Along with the education and licensing requirements, an obstetric nurse must be approachable and able to establish rapport with patients from different backgrounds, races and ages.
It could take from four to six years to complete the requirements for a Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). This includes one to two years spent in a pre-nursing program and four years in nursing school.
Resources
- Photo Credit nurse on duty image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
