Advice for new RN wanting to do L&D?

[smj79]

I'm a new RN and interested in working L&D. A hospital I'm interested in does allow new RN's to start in L&D, and they are given aprox 3 months orientation. I'd like some opinions as whether, in your experience, that is a wise decision. I've heard several different things from nurses and instructors. I've been told that new RN's should go to Med-Surg or ER for at least one year before doing anything OB. I've also heard that before doing L&D it is best to begin in Post-Partum. What, as experienced OB nurses do feel is the best manner for a new RN to proceed? Thanks!

[SmilingBluEyes]

It would really depend on how comprehensive and thorough your orientation would be. If it's less than at least 3-6 months' intensive fulltime orientation, I would hesitate to accept anything less. You should NOT be left "on your own" sooner than 6 months or so (and that would be after 6 months of fulltime work). If you have less than fulltime hours to devote to orientation, don't bother----this would hold true with most areas of nursing, anyhow.

It takes about 1-2 years to feel truly competent and confident, at least for me, it did. There is a LOT to learn, esp if you are going to do it all, meaning labor/delivery, postpartum and newborn care. Make sure they respect that you need time and will set you up with good preceptors and mentors. Ask the nurses there how they like it and how safe they feel staffing is. Beware of truly negative "vibes" from too many of them.

I wish you luck. If there is more you would like to know, ask. Many will say you need a year or two of med-surg first. I did not do that, and would not do that, and did fine. But you will need a LOT of fulltime work, day in and day out, to "get it" at all. I wish you well.

[smj79]

I believe the 3 moth orientation would be strictly L&D (no PP etc.). It would be Full time (3- 12's a week) at a large hospital. So if you think it's possible to go to OB without Med-Surg, which dept of OB do feel is the best place to start if the units are seperated (PP, L&D, antepartum etc)? I will be sure to take your advice on the "negative vibes" especially when it comes to staffing. Thanks!

[rpbear]

I started as a new RN about 1 1/2 years ago in L&D. I got 12 weeks orientation strickly to L&D. I have never felt that I was "left on my own" since, there is always someone to ask a question too or to help. I love the staff and we all are very helpful to each other. I think 12 weeks is enough to get you started, like SBE said you will not feel confident for 1-2 years. If it something that you want to do and will put forth the extra effort to learn things outside of the hospital (reading books and policies at home) then it can be done well. Good luck to you!