Mother/Baby hospital RN to Clinic??

Specialties Ambulatory

Published

Am I crazy?? I got what I thought was my dream job in a very busy mother/baby unit as a new grad nurse. I worked for years as a MB tech, got this job at a different hospital, and I'm still orienting but it is not what I thought it would be. I feel like I barely get any patient contact.. I assess moms and babies 1-2 times a shift, pass meds, chart, round, and then look over charts & labs and yada yada. I am still just grasping how to do everything and what needs to be done when, but I feel totally incompetent & I just question if this is right for me. I do NOT like high stress, demanding jobs. I feel like I'd honestly be better off at a clinic.. Can anyone give me some perspective on this or tell me what it's like to work in a clinic?? I fear leaving and regretting it but I also fear that I'll get comfortable but wont love it..

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

My advice is you need to give it more time. You are new at this, and you will be very focused on tasks right now. As you get more comfortable, you will get better at time management, and you will have more time to spend with patients and education. Give it time. I would not recommend making a change yet.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Postpartum.

What you're experiencing is very normal for new nurses. Being a tech and being a nurse are two different worlds. You need to give yourself time to hone your skills. When you're off orientation you will find your own groove and reach out to the experienced nurses when you have questions or need help.

I agree it's best to stick it out. Reevaluate when you've made it to a year.

I started in stepdown ICU then transferred to M/B and have all the time to sit and talk with my patients. You will too. Hang in there!

Sent via iPink's phone using allnurses

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Thank you both! I definitely plan on sticking it out. I'm sure I'll get comfortable eventually, and I know having some bad preceptors hasnt helped me feel comfortable. I sometimes just think that down the road I will be better off in a clinic or something outpatient and not the hospital setting. But i agree, I need to give this time. thanks again :)

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