[Alanrs]

I have just been hired to work in a mother/baby at a large local hospital and I'm so excited about my new job. I was told I would have to take a competency test and I wasn't concerned about this until I read another thread on this site about PBDS testing...now I'm really scared about what will be expected of me on this test.

Has anyone recently taken this test? If so, can you give me an idea what is covered on the test? I believe I was told that I would take a test specific to OB.

I am returning to post partum after years of being out of hospital nursing (raised kids for a number of years and then returned to work in a physician's office setting for 5 years). Needless to say, my skills are a bit rusty but I'm sure that with some decent orientation, it won't take long to get back up to speed. I'm not a great test taker and an becoming more and more concerned about this test even though I was told it was not pass or fail.

Any insight anyone could give would be appreciated.

TIA
Sharon

[Humbled_Nurse]

I wouldn't worry about the test too much. I recently took it and did well. I work NICU so it was relevant to that area. As you already said it isn't necessarily a pass/fail type situation. They will use your results to identify your learning and orientation needs so if you don't do well then you may have a longer orientation. They will give you a particular patient scenerio related to PP and you will need to identify the problem/diagnosis and what you plan to do about it. It would probably help you to pull out your OB/GYN textbook and review the most common problems/emergencies seen in the PP patient. Good luck and don't worry you'll do fine.

[cmrrn]

We recently began using the PBDS in our hospital. It is used to help you and your manager know where you need more experience so that you get a proper orientation. Don't worry, you will do fine.

[pugpage]

please send me info on PBDS to review for OB and NICU. I am taking the test and haven't been working in that area for 5 years. thank you. Please Private Message me if you can help me.

[rpbear]

I took this test about 7 months ago. It was a little stressful. I think the best way to prepare is to start reviewing some basics and try to think like you did in nursing school. Basically you will be writing a care plan based on a certain situation. Think about what you would assess on the pt, what interventions and why and what your intended outcome will be. The most stessfull part fot me is that it was timed. I ended up running out of time on my last question but still did very well on it, the highest score my educator has seen so far. Try not to worry since it is not a pass/fail type test.

Good luck!

[bagladyrn]

It's not that bad of a test - I've taken it 3 times now - the scenarios are pretty obvious and broadly acted out. All you need to remember is to watch the screen and observe the pt's actions and words. Don't worry about remembering vitals or lab values - those are written down for you to refer to on each scenario. Just remember when writing your responses not to assume anything as a given - of course we would all check vital signs, but write it down every time, same for call the doctor, call for additional help, obtain IV access, etc.
It may help you to remember that for most hospitals for staff (it's different for travelers) the test is used to evaluate a starting point from which to train you, not as a hire/fire tool. Also, the test is marked on a sliding scale based on how many years of experience you have in that field, so for instance you would not be expected to write as thorough a list as someone like me who has been working OB exclusively for the last 19 years.
Good luck and don't psych yourself out over it!