Alright this is just a quick question for the ER nurses here. Last night I had a really busy shift on OB, which is where I normally work. At the hospital I work at patients can only come in through the ED which I guess is pretty common (and much more safe), each time someone comes in for maternity, the lady from registration calls me and tells me that my patient is on their way up. Many times (unless the ED is really busy) a few minutes later I get a phone call from a nurses telling me what the patient is doing... my question is why do ED nurses get so nervous and upset by pregnant women. I understand thats not what they deal with everyday, but when the patients water breaks while she's waiting for the registration women to help her, she's not going to have her baby that minute usually. I get phone calls all the time saying "OMG her water just broke, what do I do, I don't know if we're going to get her up there in time, we're calling the resident." I try not to, but every once in a while I giggle, and just politely tell them that to bring the patient upstairs. (I work in a very small hospital, it takes about 2 minutes to get from the ED to maternity) I understand that for people who aren't around OB all the time it's a little scarey, but the number one thing to remember is to stay calm just like you would for every patient (even if her water broke and almost splashed your foot) usually the Mom is so embaressed that when people start getting nervous she starts to get really nervous. The thing I try to keep in mind is that whether or not we want it to happen (patients that are really early) or not, if the Mom is in late labor, the baby's coming whether you like it or not... with our with out you. :) Sorry, I just needed to tell someone how I felt even if you don't agree, I just get so much more stressed out when the ED is calling me four or five times to tell me that the patients water broke and she's going to have a baby... we know, just get the patient to the unit. Hope you all are having a great day!!
