Anyone have advice for a New L&D Nurse?

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 16, 2003

I have so much I could share with you. Your background sounds AWESOME; you will be an asset to any OB unit. if you don't already have it, get NRP NOW. Every OB nurse has to have it; with your background with ICU, it won't be hard. Also get into some GOOD fetal monitoring workshops ASAP. Ask your manager about AWHONN workshops and conferences in your area, esp. those geared to newer L and D nurses. There are also some GREAT books out there to familiarize you with L and D work. I have many suggestions, but first check w/your manager and see what's in your library on the unit for you to check into. Just like in ICU, you need a good mentor to "show you the ropes", so try to find that person.

I LOVE what I do, oh yes. 99% of the time, it is HAPPY.....but when it is bad, it's VERY BAD. Take care and let me know here or by PM if there is anything specific I can do to help your transition go more smoothly! Good luck! And welcome to OB!!!

New L&D RN · Jul 17, 2003

Dear Blue Eyes:

Thanks for your advice-I actually start on August 5th, so I have some time to get ready. What is NRP? What books would you suggest? I actually witnessed the birth of my nephew a few years ago, and that convinced me to look into L&D-I thought it was a miracle! Anyway, I am glad you like your job-I can't wait to start!

SmilingBluEyes · Jul 17, 2003

NRP: Neonatal Resuscitation Program

Ask your hospital nurse educator about this class/program. perhaps there is an NRP-certified instructor (staff member) ON the L and D floor where you work. There is one where I work and she works with us in small classes; first on the theory/written test portion and then on the mock code. It's a must so start looking into it now. It's as much a must as ACLS is to the ICU/CCU. Get hold of a text book thru your nurse educator or the instructor in your hospital now. Good luck!

idreamofjeannie · Jul 18, 2003

Just thought I'd add that after 24 years in mostly the OB field, I still love it. Good luck. You'll do fine with the NRP. I am an instructor and it's not hard, just scary when you think how small the infants are.

layna · Jul 18, 2003

I love L&D. I consider it an honor to be a part of someone's birth. Yes, there are times when OB can be very sad...but that is unfortunately part of life. :-(

Just remember that it takes time to be comfortable with vag exams and L&D care. Expect at least 6 months to a year. Ask lots of questions and look out for experiences that you would like to have. Talk with your manager about making your schedule flexible so that you can come in on days when you can get the most experiences and go home on the days when there is not a whole lot going on.

Best of luck!!! Let us know how it goes!

Layna

New L&D RN · Jul 19, 2003

Thanks everyone for your advice. Does anyone here have children? Do you think you are a better L&D nurse because you have children, and you have been through it? I don't have children, but I think I can do a good job. I have a friend in L&D that says having 3 kids helped her be a better L&D nurse...who knows!

Happy Nursing everyone!

fergus51 · Jul 19, 2003

Just remember all the male OBs that haven't had babies either and women don't seem to mind. I don't have children and have always considered myself a pretty good nurse, and my patients have never said otherwise.