Feeling anxious about my future in L&D ...

RNKitty · Feb 12, 2005

It is usually very difficult to convince a manager to train a new grad to OB. Usually, there are so many nurses with experience that want the position! If this is what you truly want to do, then I wouldn't pass up the opportunity. 99 % of OB nurses have to start on nights - you put in your time until you get seniority. So: do you want sleep and a normal life outside of work, or do you want a career you are passionate about? BTW, due to some unique circumstances, I went to L&D as a new grad and have never worked nights - always evenings. I think I would have done better doing a year of Mother Baby nursing first to get some solid nursing skills under my belt. It would have reduced the stress a bit. That's just me, though. Once you have 1-2 years of experience under your belt, you are highly marketable as a traveler or agency nurse. The benefit there - you pick your hours. The downside - OB is so high risk for law suits that you set yourself up for lawsuits by not staying at one facility and fully understanding their policies and procedures.

SarasotaRN2b · Feb 12, 2005

first, feel complimented...everyone wants you...that must feel great! second, the anxiety is expected...you are almost at your goal...it is one thing planning, it is another thing actually being at that point. if ob is what you want, don't pass up this opportunity. yeah, you may have to start with nights, but who knows how long that will be...it might be a very short time. of course, you are tired at 9:45...you've been up since what time...going to school, working, raising a child and a husband:lol2: .

best of luck,

kris

jrring1019 · Feb 12, 2005

Working nights for some people is impossible and they have to make changes. But you won't know that until you do it. Mt first job on a tele floor was day/evening and then I really wanted to do OB so I had to take straight nights in postpartum to get my foot in the door. My only previous experience on nights was HORRIBLE and I was scared. But I got used to nights fast, and it is easier if it is straight nights.. you adjust your life but you can do it.

I do think that if you have a little med/surg experience it is very helpful, mostly if you work in a level 3 facility and get sick OB's. ON the other hand, most of the nurses I work with only have done OB and are great and experienced. Although now that my unit is closing they are very worried because there won't be OB jobs for everyone and they don't feel they could learn anything else. I am comfortable learning something new, maybe because of my backround in tele.

Funny thing is now I am deciding my next job based on days or nights. This is so stressful.. do I stay in OB and have straight days or learn something new (ER) and do straight nights?

I have this feeling that you will be a success whatever you do. :)

JaneyW · Feb 12, 2005

II have this feeling that you will be a success whatever you do. :)

I second this! I was in your position three years ago and opted to go right into L&D. I LOVE it and haven't looked back. It is stressful to be graduating regardless of after-school plans. Like another poster said--the future is here! Even if you get sick OB pts, the treating of them often differs greatly from a regular med/surg kind of thing. Besides, unless you do the med/surg thing for more than a year or two you will forget a lot of it once you have gone to L&D. You tend to lose what you don't use!

Good Luck!! Try to enjoy!

skanded · Feb 13, 2005

I think you are feeling completely normal.

I am a Dec graduate and I got my dream job. I wanted to work in the newborn nursery. While in school, I introduced myself to the manager, spoke with her about my interest and the possibility of working there. Basically she told me they do not normally hire new grads but to check with post partum to get my foot in the "complex" then once I had experience and there was an opening I may be able to move over. I decided to explore my options.

I ended up interviewing with the complex managers (they all interview together). Apparently, the nursery manager was impressed with me and she offered me a job in the nursery. I was so excited I couldn't stand myself, LOL. :chuckle But I was so nervous because what if I didn't liver up to her expectations. She apparently thought I was something special, I kept hearing it from everyone when I said where my job was. No one could be Jerry took me. That made it worse. I also hear the "Do a year of med-surg first". I hate med surg, why make myself miserable for a year. I didn;t have to go to nursing school. I don't have to work, I surely did not get a degree to be miserable and that is what would happen if I went to med-surg. My point is, you know where your heart is, follow it!!!

I started in the nursery about 2 weeks ago and I love it. Everyone is so nice to me and know I know basically nothing, even the manager. I feel blessed. You are too. Take your job, enjoy it and don't worry, be happy!!!:Melody:

Susan

Nursery RN

SC RN, RN · Feb 13, 2005

Thanks so much for all of the replies ... I went to sleep after that post and had a pretty miserable night followed by a 12 hour shift on post-partum and another restless night. I feel better now after reading the postings! And I think that I will pick up a per diem position on med-surg or a tele floor or in the ER just to keep those other skills fresh in my mind. But first I will get oriented to my job in L&D and enjoy the heck out of the great position! Thanks for all the positive responses!

BETSRN · Feb 14, 2005

I think you are feeling completely normal.
I am a Dec graduate and I got my dream job. I wanted to work in the newborn nursery. While in school, I introduced myself to the manager, spoke with her about my interest and the possibility of working there. Basically she told me they do not normally hire new grads but to check with post partum to get my foot in the "complex" then once I had experience and there was an opening I may be able to move over. I decided to explore my options.
I ended up interviewing with the complex managers (they all interview together). Apparently, the nursery manager was impressed with me and she offered me a job in the nursery. I was so excited I couldn't stand myself, LOL. :chuckle But I was so nervous because what if I didn't liver up to her expectations. She apparently thought I was something special, I kept hearing it from everyone when I said where my job was. No one could be Jerry took me. That made it worse. I also hear the "Do a year of med-surg first". I hate med surg, why make myself miserable for a year. I didn;t have to go to nursing school. I don't have to work, I surely did not get a degree to be miserable and that is what would happen if I went to med-surg. My point is, you know where your heart is, follow it!!!
I started in the nursery about 2 weeks ago and I love it. Everyone is so nice to me and know I know basically nothing, even the manager. I feel blessed. You are too. Take your job, enjoy it and don't worry, be happy!!!:Melody:
Susan
Nursery RN

The nursery is a great starting out place. Is it a well nursery? You may find that you want to branch out after you get your feet wet. Good luck.

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 14, 2005

I 2nd the post that says you will succeed at whatever you choose. You sound VERY caring to me. I wish you well.