Does it get better?

[shortstuff31117]

I just finished my L&D training and have now worked 4 shifts on my own. I feel terrified most of the time, partly because things have been crazy weird at work. Crash sections, nurse deliveries etc. Friday night my pt. had a horrible vacuum delivery where the doctor was yelling in her face to push, and last night my labor pt. spiked a temp of 102, the same time we had a 33 weeker come in needing to be transferred. I was terrified that my baby was going to crap out on me and I would have no back up if we went to section. My co-workers are wonderful and helpful, but like last night there could be a situation where they cant be there. We are a small hospital with usually only 3 nurses on night shift.

This gets better right??! Please tell me the terror will go away!

Why cant all the weird stuff happen on orientation!

[happybunny1970]

Dude, Two words:

Full Moon

[GilaRRT]

Unfortunately, the situations do not get better. You will always have bad patients and bad situations. However, as you grow, learn, and experience these situations, you will start to mature as a nurse. You will eventually have the experience and confidence to handle the tough situations. Hang in there and realize that it may take a while to develop any level of comfort in your specialty.

[SmilingBluEyes]

It took me two full years to feel any true competency in OB. And after 10, I realized 2 was not enough.

Just keep learning and leaning on your coworkers as things come up. It gets more familiar, if not easier. I promise.

[nurse79]

yea ive felt the same way shortstuff. I got off orientation in Feb. and i'm always thinking that this HAS to get better!! the nervous feelings, not knowing WHAT to expect. It does take a while. Just use your resources..there should always be at least 1 other nurse to help out, or a triage/charge to refer to. Thats what keeps me going. I always mentally check who i can refer back to on my shift when i work, for any questions or concerns.

The main thing i was scared about was crash sections. You do get better with practice. L/D IS in intense, you have to continuously be on the balls of your feet and ready to go. I had a prolonged decel the other week, luckily the MD was there doing a VE, then it occurred. FHR went down to the 60s for like 5 mins with no resolution. It ended up being a tight nuchal cord times 3, 8-9 apgars. It was scary bc everything happened so fast, but alot of nurses immediately came to assist in the OR. Baby was out in less than 15 mins. If you do not feel safe in your current environment, look elsewhere. It is not worth your license. Good luck, you can do it!!

[FUNNYGIRLRN]

I work in the ER and come in everyday saying "It can't be as bad as last night..it just can't" I mean it feels like we took care of every single person who surrounds the hospital. There shouldn't be anyone left. But every single night we get slammed, it never gets any easier, and i doubt it will considering the only thing that will take some stress off is lower nurse/patient ratios, which would require more staff, which would require more money, etc.....

[tulsaL&D]

I remember being new and scared to death thinking that I was in over my head. Do you have central monitoring on your unit? Where I work we have central monitoring in every room and if something bad happens then everyone on staff can see it even if they are in a room. Teamwork is a must, if you don't trust that your co-workers will be paying attn and be ready to help you if needed I would find another hospital. Hopefully you work with nurses ready to help out in any situation. I have always had at least one nurse around in an emergent situation. Hang in there. Just remember, you will learn something new everyday. I have been in L&D for 5 years now and I know that there is still a lot more to learn. The day you start thinking you can do it all and stop having any fear is the day you should quit.