Hate this OB/PEDS rotation!!!

Nursing Students General Students

Published

When I tell people (classmates and friends) that I really hate this rotation, I just get this "Ohhh, you don't like kids", reaction from them. I feel bad at that point for even voicing my frustration because then I feel the need to explain that I don't hate kids (got three lovebugs of my own), I just hate being around children who are hurting and in obvious distress. Last week one of the children was screaming his head off because of a blood draw and I just thought "Thank goodness I don't have to be in there with them". My spirit weeps on the inside, sadness pervades my entire day when I'm on the floor :crying2: . I intellectually realize that these children need care and that without the skilled assisstance and interventions that nurses provide, they wouldn't get better. But emotionally, it's wracking me to be there. All I can say is that I can't wait for the end of this rotation to come (it won't come soon enough), and thank God there are great OB/PEDS nurses out there who love doing their job. I've found a higher level of respect for the nurses who can effectively do their job without it decimating their spirits .

I guess one good thing about this rotation is that I categorically know that I won't be pursuing OB/PEDS as a specialty.

Thanks for letting me whine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retail NP.

i promise you can get through it. keep in mind that you're not going to enjoy a good portion of your clinicals--just hang in there. i hated my peds/ob rotation and now i'm working in a PICU. haha. but i do know i would never enjoy working in L & D (more power to those who do! xo)

these rotations are more about endurance...you have to just buckle down and click the hours away one at a time. maybe you'll absolutely love your next rotation. just do your best to stay positive. keep a calendar and write in it by days how many are left. go home and cross them through one by one as you get them done...it'll feel cathartic.

hahaha.

seriously though, you can do it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the kind words. I'm just taking it one clinical at a time. I just feel like the odd man, "woman", out so to speak, because I dread it so much.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.

I didn't like my OB/Peds clinicals either. Just didn't click with me. Plus I had a horrible clinical instructor. You'll be finished soon enough. Hang in there! You're not alone.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

We don't do an actual OB rotation; not sure how time we'll spend in peds (a later semester), but I am dreading it somewhat for the reasons you pointed out...I am very interested in learning more about NICU, but to have to watch a child who's so very aware and afraid and can verbalize that fear is something I'm not sure I could endure for very long....and yes, bravo to those who can....as for OB; been there, done that (have three of my own), and I'm not sure I have any great interest there either...and I am ABSOLUTELY PETRIFIED of doing a psych rotation -- ugh!!

Hang in there!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, High-Risk L&D, IBCLC.

I also thought that I would hate my OB/peds rotation. Well, I was half right......HATED peds, but loved OB. I was slated to take a job as an ICU nurse, but ended up on a L&D unit and I am loving it! Of course, it's making me kind of scared to have children of my own!!!! :rotfl:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I think it's important to pay attention to how you feel about each rotation -- not only how you feel, but WHY you feel that way. Thinking about these things as you go through school and discussing them with your classmates and/or here can help you gain insight into yourself as a nurse. That insight can help you grow as a nurse and also help you make career decisions that you will be happy with.

Good thread.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

That's why its nice that there are so many opportunities for nurses. I worked in a large ER for 10 years because I knew I would be bored if I had to sit still for a long time and I didn't want a long term relationship with patients. I didn't mind caring for ANYONE as long as it was short term. Good luck finding your niche!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB.

its okay... I feel the same way about oncology. Cant do it. There are nurses who fit in special places because that is the way it is meant to be

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for everyones reply. It's that dichotomy between knowing something intellecutally and having opposite feelings emotionally. The main thing I'm concentrating on now, is just getting the material down and doing a good job in clinicals despite my feelings while I'm there. I realize that this rotation will come to end like the others and that I'll be moving on soon enough to something else. I just wish that I could find a way to seperate myself like I can with adult patients, may with time......I don't know. Thanks everyone.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i'm taking ob right now, and my instructor lectured on the freaking whole textbook... 33 chapters..... i'm nauseated, :barf02:. i'll be lucky if i can finish this class without having a nervous breakdown. :banghead: :redlight: :redbeathe

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can totally relate, I am in Maternal-Newborn and I am not a big fan of it.:( . I have one more exam and the hesi to take, I am so worry that I am not going to make it out alive. Tomorrow is my second clinical day and I am dreading it. We can all do it, and it will not last forever, thank god.

Best Wishes

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment