How to Become an OB-GYN Nurse

The United States 2000 Census reports that more than half of everyone in the country is female. Plus, the American population is expected to grow by more than 100 million in the coming four decades. It appears that the need for nurses in obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) is a given. These registered nurses perform a wide variety of duties, from doing stress tests on babies about to be delivered to preparing women for the possible side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer. However, requirements for OBG-YN nurses vary by state and employer.

Things You'll Need

• Registered nurse license

Instructions

1. Become a registered nurse (RN) with no less education than two years for an associate's degree in the field of nursing from an accredited educational facility. Some health care organizations do accept licensed practical nurses to work in the OB-GYN area, but their responsibilities usually will be limited.

2. Give serious consideration to getting a bachelor's in nursing degree to be more competitive and have greater opportunities for higher income and increased responsibilities. While in school take courses in patient-care skill for women, mothers and infants, well-woman examinations, newborn care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Although many employers will hire RNs with an associate's degree, the bachelor's degree is preferred.

3. Pass the national licensing examination, or NCLEX. Check with your state board of nursing to determine specific requirements for registered nurses.

4. Consider continuing your education as a nurse practitioner with a master's degree in the science of nursing. In this role, you will be able to work on your own to care for pregnant or postpartum mothers and their newborns. You will have the opportunity to work in a doctor's office, health care clinic, in education and training, or with women who are suffering from specific female-related illnesses.

5. Continue to go to school to maintain your state license and take courses in business, law, science, clinical skills or training. Or take additional classes to gain more knowledge about a specific area of care in OB-GYN.

Tips & Warnings

• Because each state and employer has different requirements, make phone calls to the human resources departments when you begin looking for work. You will have a better idea of the minimum educational requirements and the types of work for which you are best suited.

References

• Bureau of Labor occupational handbook
• 2000 Census