question for an L&D nurse

[Katusha]

Hi, I am not an L&D nurse, in fact Im not even in nursing school yet but are doing my pre courses to enter the program. I have read a lot of threads in the L&D section and it's great to find you are all caring and passionate about your patients. Like I mentioned I am taking my pre courses right now, but have a few questions for the L&D nurses. If I would want to job shadow at the hospital would that be possible, do you ever get people like that? Also are your shifts flexible? Meaning if you would want to work 7-8 hrs a day is that possible, or only 12 hr shifts are possible? I currently have 2 small children and know what it's like in the delivery room but only from my side not the nurses. I would really lover to job shadow an L&D nurse to really see what it's like. It seems like a dream job to me sharing an experience with someone else in the birth of their baby. It feels empowering just to think about it.

Is there any advice you can give for someone like me?

I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.:wink2:

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

Katusha,

Depends on the individual hospital whether you work 8- or 12-hour shifts, though most places I have heard of and worked offer a mix of both. Once you are in nursing school, it's highly likely you'll be able to shadow an L/D nurse, though some places may be more open to it than others. You'll also get the chance in your OB clinicals more than likely to see a birth and get the labor & del experience. Good luck! :)

[Katusha]

Elvish, thanks for your reply. I greatly appreciate it.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

Anytime! :)

[allthingsbright]

my reply in red:

if i would want to job shadow at the hospital would that be possible, do you ever get people like that?

yes, we have people shadow in our department frequently. they usually go through human resources, express their interest, and are put in touch with the ob nurse manager who sets everything up.

also are your shifts flexible? meaning if you would want to work 7-8 hrs a day is that possible, or only 12 hr shifts are possible? at my hospital, a large urban facilty, the ob nurses all work twelve hour shifts.

is there any advice you can give for someone like me? well, just study hard in school, try to get a part time job as a tech on a l&d floor, and work hard. my dream was to work in l&d and i just really put my mind to it--and here i am! :)

i would greatly appreciate it. thank you.:wink2: pm me if you have any other questions!

best wishes!