Anyone switch from L&D to MB?

klone, MSN, RN · Dec 5, 2014

I didn't transfer, per se, but I went to a facility where all L&D nurses were required to work 50% in MB. I was bored stupid, working nights in MB. I hated my MB shifts. Much prefer L&D and would have stayed if I could have done it all the time.

But that's me. If you are finding L&D too anxiety-inducing, then definitely MB might be a better fit. (I personally enjoyed the "Wonder what's going to come through the door next" feeling of anticipation).

NurseNora, BSN, RN · Dec 5, 2014

L&D isn't for everyone. You'll be able to use some of what you learned there in MB. L&D is stressful for everyone at times, but it should be better for you by now. There is no shame in changing your mind about something after getting experience and more information. It sounds like MB would be a better fit. Thank goodness we all like something different or we'd all be fighting for the same job.

Calinurse4 · Dec 5, 2014

But that's me. If you are finding L&D too anxiety-inducing, then definitely MB might be a better fit. (I personally enjoyed the "Wonder what's going to come through the door next" feeling of anticipation).

See, that's exactly where I am the complete opposite. That's one of the things that make super anxious, not knowing what is walking in the door. Interesting!

Calinurse4 · Dec 5, 2014

L&D isn't for everyone. You'll be able to use some of what you learned there in MB. L&D is stressful for everyone at times, but it should be better for you by now. There is no shame in changing your mind about something after getting experience and more information. It sounds like MB would be a better fit. Thank goodness we all like something different or we'd all be fighting for the same job.

Thank you. I will admit, I am very disappointed in myself that after all my hoping and hard work, my "dream job" didn't turn out to be what I thought it would be. I just think my personal life is stressful right now and the job on top of it is too much. Maybe in the future L&D would be a better fit, who knows?

RunBabyRN · Dec 6, 2014

There's nothing wrong with preferring MB to L&D! The unpredictability of L&D is not for everyone. MB can be a lot of fun, with a little more of a smooth rhythm to your day. I say do what makes you happy. :)

iPink, BSN, RN · Dec 6, 2014

I never transferred from L&D to M/B but I transferred from a very stressful and busy critical floor to M/B and that was the best decision I made. I knew I would absolutely hate L&D which is why postpartum is my niche.

You aren't the first person to want to leave L&D for M/B and you certainly won't be the last. L&D is not for everyone, including M/B. Thank goodness for different specialties!

You do have some options: stick it out for a year and you may actually love it better and never want to leave; or transfer to a M/B unit and try that to see if it's a fit for you; or try other OB units like Antepartum; or get out of OB all together and try something different. It's best to get a year under your belt and go from there. All the best!

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Calinurse4 · Dec 7, 2014

Thanks iPink! I've been in L&D for almost a year and a half now; if anything, it's getting worse instead of better. I think it's best if I start to explore my options...

iPink, BSN, RN · Dec 7, 2014

Thanks iPink! I've been in L&D for almost a year and a half now; if anything, it's getting worse instead of better. I think it's best if I start to explore my options...

I hear you on that. On my critical floor, yes I got better in my skills but I still couldn't wait to leave.

Your skill set and autonomy as an L&D nurse is valuable anywhere you decide to go. Good luck!

debsgreys · Dec 7, 2014

I could have written this topic! I have been in the OB field for 33 years! It found me, after working on a GYN floor part time, I returned to work to find out I would be working in the nursery every other weekend. Back then orientation was 2 shifts. I stayed there 18 years, than went to L&D. Mother baby is my love for about the last 8 years. I too was not enjoying the stressful situations and very fast pace. I am at the end of my career and enjoy caring for moms and their babies in what I call it the only time in life where a woman is taken care of. Yes I am in the minority at work, our L&D nurses rotate to the unit, using a log book. LOL

Best of luck to you!

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2014

I came to MB after working in critical care. It was the best decision I've ever made. I cannot do high stress specialities at all. I was also in a constant state of anxiety when I worked in Critical care and the ER. MB can be stressful but it is definitely a different type of stress that is more manageable for me.

When I left critical care I did feel like a failure and many people questioned my decision. Many people saw me as being at the top of the food chain being a critical nurse to being at the bottom by working in MB. I got over that quickly, and appreciate my job on MB. I still get to use my Critical care skills every once in a while which makes me feel super good.

RN0323 · Dec 20, 2014

I am a MB nurse and always thought LD was where I wanted to be. I've worked MB for 2.5 years and I can say after being down in LD for baby pickups that I am happy as a MB nurse. LD is definitely more stressful and its just not for me. I oftentimes find myself thinking, am I less of a nurse because I couldn't hack the LD life? Then I think to myself, I have to live this life and that much stress isn't for me; I want to love my job and not dread going to work. I'll take my routine, only intensely crazy every now and then life on MB!

Don't beat yourself up because you've discovered LD isn't for you... Its your life and YOU have to live it. Its not worth hating your job and dreading going to work... There is something to be said about loving what you do! MB sounds like a place you enjoyed, Transfer!