considering move from postpartum/women's health to labor and delivery

[DalekRN]

We are separate entities at my hospital. Thinking I'd like more hands on type stuff, IV starts, etc, but really I have spent very little time in any L&D. How does.it compare to postpartum? Can someone give me a "real" rundown on a day in the life of an L&D nurse?

[passionflower, BSN, MSN, RN]

Reading this forum gives you a good look at a day in the life of an L & D nurse because we talk about our work days. I moved from postpartum to labor and delivery and can tell you it was a whirlwind. The biggest change for me was the critical thinking fast on your feet pace. In L & D it can quickly go from zero to sixty in triage, in the OR, pacu or even a regular lady partsl delivery. There is so much to learn and do. If you work at the hospital see if you can get the orientation check off list to find out the skills needed and what would be expected for you to learn.

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

I agree with the previous poster. I have not worked in L and D but have had share time there. I have worked in the ER and ICU and L and D reminds me of both specialties. In L and D things can change very quickly. You may a Born on arrival, non-reassuring fetal status that requires a stat c-section, and so much more! I think L and D requires tough skin, a different kind of critical thinking and alot of hands on skills.

you do need ACLS.

I love my job in postpartum. Its a different kind of stress but a stress that suits me. I don't do well with high acuity patients and a high stress environments such as L and D.

[DalekRN]

Thanks... I think the stress of L&D would be hard for me to deal with. I would just like to learn something new, I guess! I've got the seven year itch, at one year!

[serenity1]

I consider pp to be more of a controlled chaos as opposed to "you never know what's going to happen next" type of chaos. L&D is more fast-paced, critical thinking as a previous poster mentioned. I found PP to be more task oriented. I'm glad I made the switch to get the learning experience. It was totally worth it. Good luck whatever you decide!

[klone, MSN, RN]

I LOVED LOVED LOVED L&D. If I could have done L&D fulltime instead of 50%+ M/B (the requirement at our facility), I would not have left. You need to enjoy pressure, though. I was never bored. Every patient was different. You will become an expert at IV starts and foley catheter insertions.