Senior nursing student and just found out...........

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 18, 2003

I went into OB straight after graduation. NO way was I doing a stint in med-surg if I could help it. (blech).... 6 years later, I am a pretty good OB/Newborn/GYN nurse. Yes, there is a learning curve. But even nurses coming from med-surg or other areas to OB have a lot to learn too. SO don't be daunted; go for your dream.

webbiedebbie · Feb 18, 2003

I, too, went straight into OB right after graduation. I figured my one year as working as LPN was enough med/surg for me. Good Luck...I had fun during my OB clinicals.

L&D.RN · Feb 18, 2003

Me three, and I wouldn't change it either. I have worked with RN's that have only worked OB and others that have a variety of other experience, and have seen good and bad both ways. Go for what you want to do! I love it!!!

lovebigdogs · Mar 2, 2003

I myself had a year and 1/2 on med-surg and think it is a good idea to get that under your belt before moving onto a specialty. There are things that you will learn like starting IVs and organizational and prioitizing skills that are very valuable. Just learning the assessments of different disease processes is a good help too. People in labor also have some of those albeit not many since they are for the most part a healthy bunch. I work as an L&D nurse and was just having this conversation tonight with another nurse. Thsi new nurse that we have came from psych nursing(5 years) and she definitely needs some time on med-surg because she has a hard time hooking up IV tubing and forget trying to start an IV. We are doing her a great disservice by not getting her to do some time on med-surg. She has just finished orienting to Peds where she wants to work.

elleRN · Mar 3, 2003

I strongly advocate doing at least a year of med-surg prior to doing labor and delivery. I went into med surg and did it for a year and a half knowing all I ever wanted to do was be a L&D nurse. AND I am so glad I did it that way. There are so many things that you need to learn and be proficient at before going in to a specialty area. IV's, foley's, even simple things like vitals and I&O. You need ACLS to work the PACU Recovery. You need to deal with MD's, residents, anesthesia, narcotics, etc. Not to mention the OR and high riskers. Severe PIH, diabetes, you name it. Just because a woman is pregnant doesn't mean she isn't capable of having an underlying medical problem. So long story short, though I loathed med surg, I did it, I am a better nurse for it, don't regret it, and would do it all over again. And I feel like I earned my L&D job, the older nurses respect you for it as well. I don't think I would have adjusted so well in the specialty without getting that basic foundation of med surg and being a nurse. Good Luck to you!!!!! if anything try med surg for 6 months or so. it won't hurt....

fergus51 · Mar 3, 2003

I went straight to OB (almost) and have never regretted it. I think med-surg experie3nce is only valuable if you are in a hospital where med surg staff are given reasonable ratios and treated well.

Dr. Kate, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2003

Despite the fact that I would like to see everyone do at least a year of M/S, the reality is new grads can and do go directly into L&D and do quite well. It is all a matter of attitude and willingness to learn. If you make sure you keep learning, know the pathophysiology of the problems that can occur in pregnant women, and how to recognize and intervene you should have no problem. Actually, I think a hospital that does high risk OB is a great place to learn.

Good luck and have fun