New Grad- Starting a job in Post partum

Specialties Ob/Gyn

Published

Hi there!

I am a new grad nurse and just got offered a job in the Birth Place. I think I will be starting in postpartum and then will eventually be trained in L&D and the nursery. I want to prepare myself the best I can for starting on the floor... anyone of suggestions for books or websites to freshen up on OB info? or any tips or advice for a new grad starting in post partum? anything helps... thanks!

Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

Congrats. I started in critical care for a year then recently found my home on PP. I love it! You will be doing a lot of teaching...breastfeeding, newborn care, educating about PP norms such as uterine cramping, pain management, etc. If you have the opportunity to shadow a lactation nurse for a day, I would do it.

I work as a baby (nursery) nurse and mom nurse. Which means depending on the day, I will be providing care exclusively for one or the other or in rare cases when staff is short, I will be doing couplet care.

Take plenty of notes. I still carry around a small notebook that fits in my pocket to jot new things down I never encounter during orientation.

As far as books and great resource links, you can do a search here of threads where some were provided.

Sent from iPink's phone via allnurses app

Never be afraid to ask questions. Do alot of studying at home on common PP complications for mom and baby. Soak up knowledge from more experience nurses. I love PP. Good luck!

Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Congrats! I'm a new grad starting in PP as well (once I've passed the NCLEX). I precepted on the unit, so I was able to get a good feel for the unit.

Definitely ask questions, and learn where your resources are located. Brush up on newborn testing and what it all means, breastfeeding, post-op care (for those c-section mamas), newborn VS, normal newborn stats (weight, HC, etc), remember where the fundus should be on what day, normal EBL for birth (lady partsl and c/s), s/s of shock, tx of shock, normal H&H for postpartum patients, bilirubin, blood glucose in newborns...

I keep a running sheet of notes, like everything to have for a new admit, including a separate list for c/s pts, what Coombs positive means, and a couple of the hospitals' protocols. Be a sponge and respect those older nurses- they are a wealth of knowledge and experience!

I used my maternal child textbook to review much of this prior to my preceptorship. I'll be reviewing more as I get closer to starting, as, like you, I'll be cross-training in L&D and NICU.

Good luck!

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