Day in the life of OB RN?

Published

I'm looking for some insight to OB nursing. My manager has asked me if I'd like to train as an OB nurse but I want some more information before I make a decision. I work at a small rural hospital and have two years experience as an RN (on Medicine/Pediatrics and a Post-Trauma floor). While in University I did not have an OB placement so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

What is "a day in the life of an OB nurse?"

Also - four months full time training - is that normal?

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I dont know much about it, but OB positions here in Pittsburgh are typically difficult to get. I've heard from friends (nurses, NPs) that the nurses who have those positions rarely give them up. I'd love to be an OB nurse someday (starting school in Jan) and have done quite a bit of research regarding the dept.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB.

If you tell me a little more about the unit I may be able to help you. If it is typical of many small rural hospitals you would be doing all parts of OB -L&D, PP and Nsy. Is that correct? How many nurses are on per shift? How many deliveries average per month? These factors would influence what you would be doing.

I've worked all sizes of facilities in OB, from the large hospitals with many staff and various parts of OB in different areas with different staff to the small rural facility where I am the only nurse on OB. Tell me which fits yours and I can give you a good overview of the typical shift.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
If you tell me a little more about the unit I may be able to help you. If it is typical of many small rural hospitals you would be doing all parts of OB -L&D, PP and Nsy. Is that correct? How many nurses are on per shift? How many deliveries average per month? These factors would influence what you would be doing.

I've worked all sizes of facilities in OB, from the large hospitals with many staff and various parts of OB in different areas with different staff to the small rural facility where I am the only nurse on OB. Tell me which fits yours and I can give you a good overview of the typical shift.

I'm not sure about the first poster, but I live in a more rural area, and I'd love your input. The OB department has 2 nurses on per shift (12 hour shifts), and they do all aspects. Around 20-25 deliveries per month. 4 delivery rooms, 1 triage, and an OR in the department.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB, House Sup, ER, Med Surg.

I work OB in a small rural hospital and absolutely love it. The great part about rural OB nursing is that you do get to do everything - L&D, Mother Baby, Antepartum, the whole works. It is great to deliver a mom one shift and come back a day later and assist that same mom with breastfeeding her baby.

Each day is so different. It tends to be feast or famine - running like crazy all day for a few weeks, then looking for things to do the next week.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I will give you a glimpse at a night shift in our LDRP department. I receive my pt. assignment which can consist of a mixed bag of various types of patients. Mother/baby, triage, labor, post-surgical, preterms on mag, etc. After report I prioritize who need my care first. If a labor is in progress I assess the pt./fetus and make certain all equipment is in the room and working (nothing worse than a warmer which isn't stocked with necessary resuscitation supplies or one that doesn't warm). I then proceed to assess the other patients, medicate, etc. My labor could swiftly turn to a c/s, a preterm ROM might need to be shipped, my baby might end up in the nursery with RDS or something of that nature.

We do not deliver high risk pts., but things can change at a minutes notice. Teaching is also a big part of my job. Assisting with breastfeeding, assisting MD's with deliveries, c/s, various procedures for mom and baby. We must be able to perform any role in our scope of practice in our OR and recovery room.

Never a dull moment on our floor. If things are slow we do get cut back unless we float to another department.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, OB, psych.

Feast or famine, in a small hospital. The one where I worked was fairly steady work, much of it unexciting. Lots of "false alarm" calls who come in, are tested, and go back home. When something goes wrong, it can be anything from scary to horrifying. I think there's a need for nurses who know how to help breastfeeders better, and who are sensitive to the vulnerability of new mothers.

The small hospital where a friend works skeeved her, despite several weeks' training in a major lying in hospital, because in the small place, she was the only RN in the OB unit. She was not comfortable with it and is looking elsewhere.

Anecdote: my first day in OB, my preceptor admitted a woman and literally caught her baby 29 minutes later. There's always something going on!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you all - I'm going to call my manager today and tell her that I'll accept the position.

I figure - how often does a manager approach you and say, I think you'd be good for this... Maybe she's trying to fill a need, maybe she actually does see it in me - who knows. There's only one way to find out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Obstetrics/Case Management/MIS/Quality.

Best of luck to you....I thoroughly enjoyed my time working OB....I hope you will too! :heartbeat

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion