I got hired into L&D

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

Specializes in L&D, Ambulatory Care.

Yeah it happened!!!

I'm sure I will be asking many questions!!!!

I did my senior practicum in L&D so I am somewhat familiar with what goes on.

These are the meds I have used/seen on the floor:

Magnesium Sulfate

Oxytocin

Ampicillin

Clindamycin

Vistaril

Stadol

Demerol

Phenergan

Methergine

Hemabate (sp?)

Topics

Fetal monitoring

maternal assessments

postpartum assessments

PIH

Gestational diabetes

Shoulder dystocia

Oligohydraminos

Retained placenta

Any other suggestions?? I know I can't know it all, this is what I encounted over the semester. Now that I know I will definitely use it at work, I'm going to make sure I "KNOW" it.

Also can anyone recommend a good fetal heart monitoring book and perhaps an OB nursing procedures book?? And a general OB nursing text? The one I had for my class is too long winded: too much theory, not enough practice.

I'm not proficient with the immediate newborn care, becuase the nurses usually did all of that (suction, O2, etc.).

I am getting better at interpreting strips, but obviously I am very green!!

Thank you all in advance

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

HI Melissa!

Congrats on your job!! WAY TO GO! Welcome the the exciting and wonderful world of OB/Newborn Nursing! I, like you, was hired into ob nursing right out of school. I have to tell you, that first year in nursing in ANY area is a real test of your mettle. Be a sponge; find a good mentor to help you along, if you can. A senior nurse who does not mind teaching you the "ropes" and being there for you when the inevitable questions arise is invaluable. I was lucky in that I had a few good mentors as that first year for me was a real "trial by fire"...I saw many complications and learned a lot.

May I recommend you get your NRP ASAP? (neonatal rescusitation program)...this is critical for any nurse who attends deliveries or does post partum care. Surely, your employer has an NRP instructor or point of contact who can refer you for the training. Also, it does not hurt to have PCEP (perinatal continuing education program) and get your manager to send you to a few good basic L and D and fetal monitoring workshops early on in your employment. The interchanges you experience with nurses from other places is invaluable at these workshops and there is much to learn. I am overwhelmed at what I still have to learn myself.

I am currently studying for my certification in Inpatient OB Nursing and have used the Core Curriculum for Maternal-Newborn Nursing by Susan Mattson and Judy E. Smith, published by AWHONN. They also publish several texts related to high-risk OB and Neonatal Nursing. I think the outline-based format is very handy and will show you a lot of the basics you need to learn in OB nursing. I could go on and on about the books I have built in my library in the 5 years I have been nursing. I won't...I will reserve that for other members here to help out. I do suggest you read journals related to nursing (I subscribe to 4) to keep current and provoke thought. Build a library as you go....borrow books from coworkers if you can...but really take advantage of the library where you work.

You sound like me that first year. I was so anxious and hungry to learn it all.....it is so hard to get it all in. There are times you will feel overwhelmed and want to cry. Others where you rejoice and revel in your choice of career ......both ways, you will never be bored. I wish you the best of luck!

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Specializes in L&D, Ambulatory Care.

Thank you very much for the information!

I am scared, but I am also very eager!

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I am so happy for you, I hope it turns out great!

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