any pregnant ortho nurses?

acw · Aug 23, 2005

I worked on an ortho unit up until 2 days before delivery. I started this particular job when I was 6 months pregnant. I did quite a bit of lifting patients, CPM machines, etc. I tried not to ask for help unless I really needed it. I probably overdid it at times and I was pretty exhausted the day after I worked. It was tough when I worked 3 12-hour shifts in a row. I literally waddled down the hall during the last month. I sat down during the shift as much as possible while charting, asking the pt admission questions, etc. (My feet and ankles were sooo edematous). Most of my coworkers were really cool about helping me. Some jumped in and helped without being asked. Others didn't seem to care. I delivered a healthy baby boy on July 1, 2005. I will be going back to work in 2 weeks. To answer your question, it was challenging, but I am glad I continued to work up until the end.

inwyte · Aug 24, 2005

I worked on an ortho unit up until 2 days before delivery. I started this particular job when I was 6 months pregnant. I did quite a bit of lifting patients, CPM machines, etc. I tried not to ask for help unless I really needed it. I probably overdid it at times and I was pretty exhausted the day after I worked. It was tough when I worked 3 12-hour shifts in a row. I literally waddled down the hall during the last month. I sat down during the shift as much as possible while charting, asking the pt admission questions, etc. (My feet and ankles were sooo edematous). Most of my coworkers were really cool about helping me. Some jumped in and helped without being asked. Others didn't seem to care. I delivered a healthy baby boy on July 1, 2005. I will be going back to work in 2 weeks. To answer your question, it was challenging, but I am glad I continued to work up until the end.

ACW, thanks a lot for your reply. i was quite concerned because i was accepted in a rehab hospital and will be working prn. and this nursing job really requires lifting and bending .i am very much worrried for my baby.now im quite relieved that im not the only pregnant nurse whos working her bu## off. i am planning on taking 3 8 hours shift a week so it wont be so hard..i have bills to pay too,you know....thanks a lot again for the motivational reply.

acw · Aug 25, 2005

Congrats on your job and your pregnancy! You can do it. Just make sure you take time to eat. I had a note from my doc saying I had to have a lunch break. I really started to feel sick if I went too long between meals. Good luck!

jax · Aug 25, 2005

to all ortho nurses
anyone experienced working in ortho floor pregnant?...just curious since it involves alot of lifting so how do u guys manage this?

I have worked throught 2 pregnancies on an ortho. unit.

The first pregnancy I had no problems , the 2nd one I was a lot more physically tired. I used to go home, and sit in the shower with my legs elevated - they were so sore and tired.

Ask for help if you need to transfer/roll/move someone, don't do it on your own.

I had a lot of booties knitted for me by some of my recovering #Nof pt.'s.

Good Luck

cheech-RN · Aug 25, 2005

During my second pregnancy I worked orthopedics full time, usually 12 hour shifts. It was difficult because not only was I a new grad but also I gained a lot of weight quickly (I was hungry a lot), so I was very slow and felt worse off than most of the patients. I found that at a certain point I had to put the well being of my baby first (I had to stop being stubborn and start asking for help). Most people are more than eager to help but there are some who will say "I worked until I went into labor" or simply do not understand that not every pregnancy is the same for every person and working with orthopedic patients is hard enough when you're fit-the patients are heavy, in pain, and need to move so you're setting yourself up from the beginning. Just listen to your body and don't over do it and remember some days are better than others.