[jodyangel]

Ok guys, so I am SOOO excited about my new job which starts Monday in L&D! Silly question maybe..but since I've been a Med Surg nurse all my life..is it hard to learn the skills in L&D? I've certainly never checked a cervix for dilation, which is one skill I'm thinking might be difficult.

So tell me. Any tips?

[L&D-RN]

It's not to hard. It seems kind of weird at first, but the first time you find the open cervix you will know it. There are charts that should be on your floor that have samples of different dilitations for you to feel. That will help but remember it is all subjective too. You will get the hang of it.

[Halinja]

After you've checked a few dilated/dilating women, ask if you can work a day in triage, checking a few that are closed. I don't know why, but that made it easier to find the edges of the cervix in a dilating woman for me. Otherwise....practice makes perfect. Check a woman first, then have your preceptor check and see if she gets the same thing. It'll come

[jodyangel]

Ok great!! Thanks for the replys. I'm really looking forward to learning and growing in this dept.!

[q12RN]

Hmmm, just a thought, but I wonder if you wound be able to check out your own cervix to get a "general" idea, One of the gals I work with said she checked her own cervix when preggo so she wouldn't go to the hospital if not in real labor.

[jodyangel]

LOL smart gal! Well I have felt my own cervix so I do know what a closed one feels like. I am wondering more about determining a pregnant cervix and announcing the magic number. Thanks!