How to Become an Obstetrics Nurse
According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for nurses is high, with job growth increasing 23% by 2016. But even with the nursing shortage, the competition to become an obstetrics nurse is fierce because of its popularity. Also, the specialty has relatively low turnover, making positions scarcer. Becoming an obstetrics nurse requires earning a bachelor's degree in nursing and become a registered nurse with your state. You won't need any special training until you've been hired by an obstetrics office. Here's a guide to becoming an obstetrics nurse.
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Instructions
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Earn your nursing degree. The first step in becoming an obstetrics nurse is to earn your nursing degree from an accredited program. To find a program in your area check out The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (see Resources below).
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Apply for internships at OB-GYN offices. To increase your chances of getting hired, seek an internship while completing your nursing program. This will allow you to network with obstetrics professionals, secure letters of recommendation, and land a job pending graduation.
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Apply to take your state exam to become a registered nurse. Contact your state's nursing board to arrange a date and time to take your registered nurse exam. Also, request that the nursing board mail you a study guide to focus your preparation efforts.
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Update your resume. Once you've completed your program, update your resume to reflect your education and obstetrics experience you acquired during your internship. For sample resumes, check out Sample Resumes (see Resources).
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Secure an obstetrics nursing job. Find positions at job boards such as Monster, Indeed and Hot Jobs (you can also check local medical practice websites). Once you've identified a position, send both an electronic resume and hard copy. This will increase the hiring manager's exposure to your resume. Plus, don't forget to follow up with a phone call after sending your resume.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you meet the nursing school prerequisites. To get accepted into nursing school, make sure you've completed college coursework in biology, nutrition and human development. Check with your nursing school for specific requirements.
Don't forget to apply for financial aid. If you need financial assistance, complete the federal application for student aid (see Resources). This allows you to apply for federal loans and grants.
