[happyrn10]

Hi guys I am new nurse in labor and delivery. I got off orientation last month . I still don't feel good about working on my own. I always ask for help. So please tell me its good thing or bad thing or I need to change area. Sometime I am thinking about talking to my manager to transfer me to postpartum area, its too stressful. I need word of encouragement.

[keeper927]

HappyRn,
Do not get discouraged. It takes a good year to get comfortable in a specialty. I worked 11 years in ICU before going to LDR. It takes a while to get the hang of reading the fetal monitoring strips. I'm sure those you are working with would prefer you to ask questions!

[wickedrn]

I have heard from many many wise nurses that it takes a good year to get the hang of a specialty area and feel comfortable in your skin. For some people it is less. Remember each day is a learning experience and each day it should become easier because of all that you have learned the previous shifts. Best of luck.

[Belinda-wales]

When asked how do you become confident in I say it takes years of tears, blood and hard work going in to work everyday asking questions learning new skills- then one day you find that people start asking you the questions and more surprizingly you know the answers but saying that after 20years I till ask questions and dont always know the answers.

[happyrn10]

Thanks A Lot Guys For Encouragement. That's True When I Came Yesterday I Was Crying. I Didn't Feel Like Going Back To Work.

[BeccaznRN]

Originally Posted by happyrn10

Thanks A Lot Guys For Encouragement. That's True When I Came Yesterday I Was Crying. I Didn't Feel Like Going Back To Work.

I'm also a new RN in L&D (have been off orientation for about 5-6 weeks) and I can't tell you how many times I've felt this way. I have thought about switching to postpartum, med/surg, or any other specialty on more than one occasion. I have said to myself "I'm a horrible nurse" more times than I can count. I'm always asking other nurses questions about everything - strips, vag exams, whatever. Luckily, I work with a great team of nurses who are not only willing to lend a helping hand but actually encourage me to ask questions and ask for help anytime I need it.

Your feelings are completely normal. Give yourself time and try not to be too hard on yourself. Of course, I know that's WAY easier said than done!

[KYCNM]

With years of experience in mother-baby care, I do not hesitate to say that I frequently ask others to look at a monitor strip or a partogram to see if they see something I don't. Remember, sometimes you can't see the forest for the trees (if you're too close to the situation). Four, six, or eight eyes are better than two.