Best way to prepare for new OB job :)

[GabesMommy2014]

Hi all,

I have recently landed my dream job on an OB unit - I am so excited!

I start in January, so am trying to prepare as much as possible before I start. I will get 4 months of training, which I think is a great timeframe - I just want to bring as much background knowledge to the table when I start so that I can get the most out of my training. :)

Here is what I plan to do to prepare - any feedback as far as how helpful this will be, or other suggestions to prepare, would be greatly appreciated!

1.) Review the course materials from my ACLS, NRP, STABLE, FHM, and ALSO cert courses

2.) Work my way through the "Intrapartum Management Modules: A Perinatal Education Program" text (I saw in other posts that this was a highly recommended text)

3.) Practice estimating the sizes of various round objects at home (as prep for cervix checks - another idea I got from this awesome forum! :) )

4.) Signing up for as many shifts at my current volunteer doula position at my local county hospital

5.) Finding and taking a breastfeeding course

6.) Reviewed the relevant med cards my OB teacher made me make in RN school for my OB rotation (so grateful she required them now! Lol)

I am also considering asking the unit manager if she could provide copies of some of the major unit protocols so I can review them ahead of time.

1.) Would this be inappropriate (ie would they not be allowed to do this prior to my start date?)?

2.) If not, what protocols would be best to request? I'm thinking definitely pitocin use, admission, FHM, etc...

Sorry for so many questions. I'm just super excited and really want to do well. :) Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide!!!

Oh yeah - I will train in PP for the first month, then in L&D for the next 3 months. It is a small community hospital (119 beds total, 6 LDRP rooms), but the only hospital for 40 miles. They are also actively seeking Baby Friendly status. :)

[RunBabyRN]

I would ask if YOU can stop by and make photocopies of the protocols.

Any breastfeeding training you can do would be good (I know you said this). I know in Santa Rosa there is a lactation specialist program available. They just wrapped up one session, but here's the info if you're interested: Lactation Specialist Program - Santa Rosa Women's Health & Birth Center

[cayenne06, MSN, CNM]

I would ask if YOU can stop by and make photocopies of the protocols.

Any breastfeeding training you can do would be good (I know you said this). I know in Santa Rosa there is a lactation specialist program available. They just wrapped up one session, but here's the info if you're interested: Lactation Specialist Program - Santa Rosa Women's Health & Birth Center

YES. Breastfeeding support is key. Also maybe look into doula training- it's nice to have the skills to support moms who want to avoid pain medication- having an RN skilled in labor support can make or break her birth experience!