Helpful first year tips

[Kilika421]

Hi everyone!

So last week I received a phone call that I was offered the position of full time nights in Mother/Baby :redbeathe I could not be happier because I just graduated in May, and since working in OB was always where I saw myself, I couldn't picture having to work in another area first. I'll have 4 weeks of precepting during the day shift, then 2 or 3 weeks of precepting during the night shift to get me adjusted since that is where I'll stay. I don't start for 3 weeks and now that I know I'll be in Mom/baby & newborn nursery I want to brush up on key information so that I don't look like a complete fool starting out. Not in any way trying to look like a know-it-all, just trying to be somewhat prepared. Any tips on things I should review?

Thanks!

[SydneyJo1]

I graduated in May, too, and started working Mom/Baby nights in September. First, congrats!! Secondly, I found that it really helped to brush up on my pharm, particularly pain meds. Understanding which meds are narcotics, which are NSAIDs, which ones mom can't take while breastfeeding, normal dosing, etc. helped enormously, particularly because most postpartum moms have prescribed pain meds and many will ask you questions about them. Also, as others have mentioned, make sure you are well versed in breastfeeding and things like lochia, involution, potential complications and the basics like how to bathe an infant. Mom/Baby is awesome! You will love it. :)

[MomBabyUnitRN]

I love postpartum nursing!! Brush up on hemorrhaging and those emergency drugs, mag sulfate and it's dosing, Breastfeeding, general infant care and everything else the others have said. :)