When nursing care really makes a difference

[kennedyj]

This is a story of a patient we recently had in our unit. I don't want to get too specific but she was pregnant with twins and had ruptured one of her amniotic sacs at 21 weeks. Normally these patients would go to a medical/surgical floor away from the babies to await going into labor.

She ended up comming to our floor. She was here on bed rest and just waiting to see what happens. Four weeks passed and she was now 24 weeks and we was able to get the betamethasone. She remained afebrile and on strict bedrest, only out of bed to use a bedside toilet. Her AFI (fluid stayed high enough) and she hung in there (she got a biophysical profile and Ultrasound everyday). Even with severe constipation (and major bowel issues)and lots of side effects from bed rest. The second sac ruptured at about 25-26 weeks and she hung in there about another week before delivering. She had been here over 6 weeks and was more than just a patient on the floor. There was not assurance that the first ruptured infant would even have a chance due to lack of resistance during practice breathing d/t the PROM. She had a c-sect and I think half of our staff was in tears when the babies came out and cried. They are in the NICU just growing away. Experiences like this make it all worth the hard work of nursing.

J

[Brown Suga]

I am very gald you decided to share your story with everyone on the board. I am very touched by your story. I just started an ADN nursing program last week. My goal is to go into labor and delivery, but after hearing your story I am willing to consider going on for a Nurse Midwifery.

Thanks

[mother/babyRN, RN]

Anyone going into midwifery would be greatly enhanced and educated if they did some time as an ob nurse first.....Either way, hope all works out for you...