[allthingsbright]

I am 7 weeks into labor and delivery orientation--have been on orientation in OB on and off since January going through mother baby, newborn nursery and antepartum. I work in a teaching hospital w/ high risk patients. Anyway, I am just so overwhelmed!

I feel like my lack of experience combined with having to be ON for 13 hrs at a time is so hard. Is it just me? Am I not cut out for nursing? Do other nurses feel this level of stress? AND will it get better?

I want to give myself time before throwing in the towel but honestly dread going into work right now. C-sections scare the crap out of me: I feel like everything I do is screwed up.

I come home and cant focus on the positive, although I know that I am a safe nurse and my patients are ok. Came home this morning and cried and cried--not over any particular thing, just the stress. Had a cervidil induction (on continuous monitoring) and a labor patient last night that has to go back for a section. I feel like I am so slow at everything I do and barely have a handle on all the multitasking.

My preceptor was letting me do as much as possible on my own but she really had to step in and help.

I have one more week on labor orientation and then they want me to be on my own. I feel like I need twelve more months! I actually feel much much better when I work MBU or APU, but labor is a nightmare. I dont want to quit-I want to make this work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Is this normal?????????????????

[shortstuff31117]

I think its totally normal what you're feeling. I felt the same way during my orientation. I still feel that way sometimes! They say it takes 2 years to feel comfortable doing OB nursing and I believe it. You will get more and more comfortable as time goes by though, trust me!
8 weeks is pretty short for orientation, can you ask for another 4 weeks? That would probably help!

[cupcake25]

When I started in L&D years ago I got about a 3 month orientation. I can honestly say that it took me along time to begin to feel comfortable. There is so much to learn, especially doing c-sections in the OR. I would say just hang in there and in time you will begin to feel better.

[Itshamrtym]

Everything that you are feeling is normal... Talk to your nurse manager and tell her what you have told us. She will hopefully be supportive and give you a bit more time. DON'T give up. It sounds like you are right where you need to be. It takes time. Give it the time that you need. Before you know it you will be training a new nurse and comforting her about the same issues. Talk to your Boss!!!!! take care and good luck.

[mom2michael]

I think 8 weeks is way too short for L&D and I think you need to be up front and honest with your NM about how you feel right now. Also, I don't know any one of my co-workers that could handle a Cervadil AND a section at the same time without someone helping them out with something do don't be discouraged by that.

I'm in the middle of my nursery orientation from he$$. Not that I dislike the nursery, I dislike that we've been so busy my preceptor can't teach me the things I need to be taught and all we do is run around like crazy putting out fires so I totally know how you feel!!!

Hang in there - it will get better with time.

[Nursein2007]

I agree, 8 weeks is way too short of an orientation!! I am in L & D and have a 12 week orientation, that can be extended, if your preceptor or you do not feel like you are ready. I would speak with someone about your concerns.

[jadu1106]

Hi~


If women's services, especially L&D is truly where you want be with nursing, then please please talk with your nurse manager or at lease the educator for the internship program and discuss your concerns. When you talk with them, let them you want and need to extend the internship for more time with your preceptor. If they want you to be successful and learn to be a good OB nurse, they will not object. I certainly hope your situation gets better. All the best to you.

[GrumpyRN63]

You need at least a year to feel moderately comfortable/competent, ask for an extension of your orientation, ours is 16 weeks(for exp rn's) to 6 months for new grads ,Best of Luck

[rnmomtobe2010]

This too shall pass...Pray and ask for guidance...