[nrsman1]

Hello. I am in my second semester and I start OB clinicals, more specifically post partum. My question is how awkward should I feel in this area. Its bad enough when I feel nervous about giving a med I've never given, so how weird is it going to be when the I am instructing the new mother to wear a supportive bra. Also I am only 23 and I am sure I look young to them. how is all this going to play in to how they perceive the care that I give.
Thanks

[mrsportsmedicine]

A patient's perception is their reality, so help make their perception of you a good one.
Be professional, be courteous and compassionate. And above all be respectful of their wishes. Some female patients may not feel comfortable with you as their nurse/student nurse. As eager as you are to learn and get through school, be sure to respect the patient's wishes.

A male student nurse who can show he cares, has compassion and is simply being a professional as a nurse will earn the respect and dignity of your female patients.

The quote un-quote typical 23 yr old may not act professional, he may be embarrased with the subject matter at hand, and become uncomfortable with the vulnerability of the patient and himself. So make sure you are the professional nurse and not the typical 23 yr old.

Best of luck.

[MR.nurse2U]

Hi,

I was nervous also before OB clinicals and also endured a few comments from my female classmates, mostly the younger girls. The post partum went pretty smoothly though, as soon as the mothers realize you are a professional they all seemed to not care the least if I was male or female. I found the cultural differences to be more of a concern, especially the male partners response from the Muslim couples to another male caregiver, very very uncomfortable situation at first.
The L&D on the other hand was an experience. I had half a dozen agree to let a male student in the delivery and then back down at the last minute. These were all very young mothers to be. The 'more experienced' were usually willing to let a male in the delivery room though.
You will be surprised how smooth it will go. Relax, learn and have fun, this will be an amazing experience for you.

[SteveRN21]

Waltz on over to the male nursing student forum, as there are many threads with the same question, and a lot of helpful answers....

[idea1]

I can tell you for a fact, it sure feels awkward. I am an ADN male student hoping to graduate this may/june. I understand that not every peri-parterm patient is comfortable with a male nurse and i respect that. But, one thing that baffles is that for some patient, a male intern(md) is fine but not a male student nurse.

[cgun101]

I didn't like my OB clinicals when i was in school mainly because as a male nursing student, we couldnt practice independently unless we are accompanied by a fellow female student or RN or professor so I felt like i was wasting my time there.

[pelsmith]

It wasn't nearly as bad as I feared it would be. As a matter of fact it wasn't bad at all.

It's still not the job for me though.

[Alex_RN2b09]

It's been fine for me so far and only 4 weeks left! I've never had any problems with patient's being uncomfortable or rejecting me either. Just present yourself as confident, comfortable, and do what you're there to do. Also the babies are full of cuteness which cannot be denied.

[flames9]

Howdy!! I just finished my OB rotation and actually had a blast!! I had heard of soo many horror stories, such as beign a male, they won't allow you to do anything,moms don't want ya in there!! In my case it that was not the problem! I did the exact same stuff as the female student nurses. My advice is go in there with a positive "can-do" attitude and enjoy it!! I have no desire to end up in labor/delivery or postpartum, but was a fun time. Nothing better than feeding babies, and going home to a full nights sleep,lol

[loquacity]

hehe, i remember my obstetrics and l & D days last year...
is it awkward at times yes....but i got over it...

"so hows your flow" "i'm just gonna feel your breast for firmness" and other awkward questions have all been conquered by me

one patient whom i'd had for a while and i knew well, asked why i chose to be an postpartum nurse and i simply said "i didn't--i'm only here for 6 days. I want the ER!!! blood and guts! this is sorta awkward for you and for me, but don't worry we'll both get through it!" lol

and despite the fact that i still maintain no interest in working there in the future i actually liked doing probably 90% of all the teaching, especially for new parents. They're so excited and they have no clue what to do...but your their new baby's user manual & instruction book. 10% of the stuff i didn't like teaching ~ as in stuff re lochia etc.....gross....Plus i got really good at quieting the baby's. I should have gotten an award.

also the actual staff on the floor were great (and funny) and more than willing to help out and give advice....and they understood i was a male and this isn't my best area...


oh and btw i was only 19 for my clinical, defiantly looked pretty darn young and had never actually held a newborn baby before....but i knew my stuff well and faked me some confidence and everything went well (i got an A- which i was thrilled with)