Antepartum Unit

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Hi ladies I have been lurking for some time, and now need some help. I have been out of work for a few years, now thinking of going back. Is Antepartum Unit a good decision, I always enjoyed Maternal/Child Nursing but never got a chance when I was a new gad. I might need a refesher course but hospital will train me 3-6 months. I don't want to pass this up but don't want to take on more than I could handle. What do you think? :)

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

If you've been offered the job and they're willing to train, I don't see why not. You may find it a bit dull, if all you're doing is ante. I personally would not want to do strictly ante. Will you get postpartum as well?

If you're interested in L&D, it may be a good way to get a foot in the door for labor, as well. I assume they will train you on EFM? If so, then that's half the battle on getting trained for L&D.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

If you want to work take it. Especially if there is a training program. They are invaluable, especially if you are rusty. Good luck.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

If they are willing to train you, why not? I work on a unit that has antes mixed in with the postpartum population and while antepartum nursing isn't my favorite part, I have learned a lot. And we really bond with the ladies that are there long-term.

It took me a couple years before I really felt comfortable taking care of antes, though. So 3-6mo sounds like a good orientation time, but don't be surprised if it takes you a while after that to feel like you know what you're doing. Hope it works for you!

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Thanks, for your help :nurse:

Anyone else? love to hear more

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Specializes in Postpartum, Antepartum, Psych., SDS, OR.

Antepartum is very rewarding to work, to assist with keeping a pregnancy is awsome. Of course there is teaching&teaching as it goes. Postpartum is good, to see all the happiness of a new family member is great. There are times that aren't good so be prepared for that too. L&D isn't for everyone, observe and know all that goes on before signing on for that. This is what makes the world go round....

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Specializes in OB, Women’s health, Educator, Leadership.

In my humble opinion, the best ante nurses are trained on L + D. I have done ante nursing and enjoy it. There have been several times on my unit that I have seen patients rushed over from our unit to L + D to prepare for a delivery because of subtle signs of labor missed by the ante nurse. Antepartum nursing isn't just about reading a strip, you should watch for subtle signs of labor and be prepared to intervene.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.
In my humble opinion, the best ante nurses are trained on L + D. I have done ante nursing and enjoy it. There have been several times on my unit that I have seen patients rushed over from our unit to L + D to prepare for a delivery because of subtle signs of labor missed by the ante nurse. Antepartum nursing isn't just about reading a strip, you should watch for subtle signs of labor and be prepared to intervene.

You are sooo right that it's not just about reading a strip.

I can't tell you how many times I've had to fight with doctors about a patient whose strip was fine but something else wasn't quite right. I had one patient whose strip was beautiful, otherwise she felt fine, denied contractions, but she threw up once. I put my hand on her belly (no contractions on toco) and felt some pretty regular moderate to strong contractions. MD comes to check her - 8cm and back to L&D after being on ante for about 4 hours.

Stuff can happen fast, and you do have to be aware of subtle changes. Most of my colleagues have no L&D background but we do get on the phone PDQ if something changes. It doesn't have to be a big change for it to be a big deal.

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HI just an update,

The hospital that I interviewed at wanted new grad rn's even if I took a refresher course. I'll stay positive in my search.

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Specializes in Postpartum, Antepartum, Psych., SDS, OR.

Do mind to say where this is?

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Do mind to say where this is?

At Baptist Health Miami

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Specializes in L&D, PP, NICU, Peds, GYN.

If it were me....why not?!?! But I also agree with an above comment...I would get board. Of course sometimes antepartum can be very challenging and cause extremely high adrenaline levels in 1.2 seconds LOL! Alot of good experiences there...especially in high risk facilities.

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